DPWH speeds up work on Tawi-Tawi bridge projects
By Trixee Rosel
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is fast-tracking the construction of key bridges in Tawi-Tawi with the objective of improving regional connectivity and boosting the local economy.
DPWH Senior DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1 and Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3, strategically situated in the southwestern Sulu archipelago, are funded by the Asian Development Bank under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP)
They aim to alleviate traffic congestion on Bongao Island and establish links between various islands and municipalities across Tawi-Tawi, he added.
Sadain emphasized that the infrastructure initiatives aligned with the economic development goals of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), leveraging Tawi-Tawi's strategic location within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“By enhancing local and regional market connectivity, these bridges are expected to attract more investors, stimulate economic activities, and improve the quality of life for the people of Tawi-Tawi,” Sadain said.
The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge, currently 64 percent complete, is expected to connect Bongao to Sanga-Sanga by July 2025, while the Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge, at 32.9 percent completion, aims to link Sanga-Sanga to mainland Tawi-Tawi by September 2025.
Furthermore, initial civil works have commenced on the Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge which is set to further enhance connectivity and facilitate upcoming economic ventures in the region.