Panguil Bay Bridge to be inaugurated on September 27, marking a major milestone for connectivity

 

Misamis Occidental (PGMO) — Governor Henry S. Oaminal has announced the highly anticipated inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge, set to take place on September 27, 2024. This significant infrastructure project will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao Del Norte, ushering in a new era of connectivity and development for the province and region.

The inauguration ceremony will be graced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, underscoring the significance of this development in the province’s progress.

Governor Oaminal shared his excitement about the event: “Busy kaayo ta karon sa Panguil Bay Bridge nga dugay na natong giasam-asam. We are also working to ensure that the formal declaration of our province as an insurgency-free area coincides with this ceremony.”

In his address, Governor Oaminal provided a historical overview of the Panguil Bay Bridge project. “This has been a long-standing aspiration of our ancestors, our leaders from the 1960s and 70s, and not just of leaders from our province but also from Lanao Del Norte,” he explained.

“This vision was supported by national leadership, and we must acknowledge the contributions of past leaders,’’ he said.

The Governor recounted the early efforts made during the tenure of former Governor Leo Ocampos (2006-2007), which were pivotal in advancing the project. He highlighted how Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s support was instrumental in realizing the bridge’s construction.

Despite initial setbacks, including unsuccessful bids under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), the project saw renewed attention in 2013 when Governor Oaminal, then a Representative, spearheaded a resolution endorsing the bridge to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Finance (DOF). The resolution, adopted on September 10, 2013, marked a crucial step forward.

Governor Oaminal continued his advocacy through his tenure, ensuring the project’s progress was monitored and supported.

In 2015, he successfully invited former President Benigno Aquino to inspect the bridge site in Tangub City, further accelerating the project’s momentum.

On April 28, 2016, a loan agreement was signed between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines to fund the construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge. This agreement was a key development in moving the project from planning to implementation.

Governor Oaminal concluded by reflecting on the journey: “Although it has taken eight years to complete the bridge, the important thing is that on September 27, we will finally inaugurate this landmark project.”

The inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge symbolizes a major advancement in regional infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity and fostering economic growth in both Misamis Occidental and Lanao Del Norte. (SN/PGMO)