TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – The people of Lanao del Norte thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for opening the Panguil Bay Bridge connecting this town to Tangub City in Misamis Occidental on Friday, September 27.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. opens the Panguil Bay Bridge that connects the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental on September 27. (PCO)
Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said the completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge enhances connectivity between the two provinces and completes the long-cherished dream of her father, former Gov. Arsenio A. Quibranza.
The bridge will drive socio-economic growth and improve quality of life not only in the region but also the entire island of Mindanao, added Dimaporo.
Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry S. Oaminal also cited the opening of the bridge.
“Today, we are not only unveiling and inaugurating the structure of the long-awaited Panguil Bay Bridge but we are also opening new doors of opportunity and progress,” Oaminal said.
“Today's event signifies that dreams do come true and that vision can become a reality if there is hard work and collaboration among the stakeholders concerned and strong support of the national leadership," added Oaminal.
“Thank you, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for the exemplary support.”
Residents said the bridge presents economic opportunities for them.
Abing Damasco, a fruit vendor and “sari-sari” (community convenience) store owner near the bridge entrance, said it will enable her to purchase mangoes and other products from other municipalities in Misamis Occidental or Zamboanga Peninsula.
She said that increased traffic will boost her sales.
Damasco said that traveling via Roll-on, Roll-off vessels from Mukas, Kolambugan to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, is time-consuming due to long queues.
Richard Pacasa from Misamis Occidental, transport assistant of a hog-raiser, said the bridge will make their operations more efficient by enabling faster and smoother trips without delays.
Marcos led the inauguration and was accompanied by Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa.