KABACAN, North Cotabato – The newly completed parallel bridges worth P499.8 million opened on Monday, promising improved mobility and stronger connectivity between Regions 10 and 12 and across Mindanao.

DPWH-12 Regional Director Cayamombao Dia said the bridges, located in Kabacan and Carmen, form part of a national secondary road linking Cotabato and Bukidnon.

"These parallel bridges significantly enhance traffic capacity, road safety, and inter-regional connectivity across Mindanao," she noted.

Dia added that the project ensures more reliable and efficient movement of people and goods across the two regions.

In her message, Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said the Carmen Parallel Bridge (P266.375 million) and Lumayong Parallel Bridge (P233.482 million) will enhance inter-regional access across Mindanao. The bridges began construction in 2020 and received funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2024.

"These bridges will improve mobility, expand regional access, and make transportation more efficient and convenient. This road network connects Region 12, Region 11, and Region 10, including special geographic areas of the Bangsamoro," Mendoza said.

She added that the bridges will also help law enforcers maintain peace and security in local communities.

Mendoza thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration for ensuring funding and emphasized the role of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in endorsing projects to guarantee connectivity and sustainability.

"I'm happy we worked very closely with Mindanao and the RDC – they were given instruction by no less than the President – that all projects should be RDC-endorsed. The RDC made sure that connectivity and sustainability are followed and are established – hindi 'yung pauunahan na lang (It’s not about just racing to be first anymore),” she added.

Mendoza urged commuters to be responsible when crossing the bridge (no overtaking) and asked residents to look after the project.

Residents welcomed the project.

Meriam Malidez of Barangay Lumayong said the bridges will help protect communities from flooding while tricycle driver Wahab Kadalim expressed relief that traffic congestion has eased. 

Wahab Kadalim, 65, a tricycle driver, said the new parallel bridges would make daily travel faster and safer for drivers like him.

Miriam Mamato, 72, a farmer in Kabacan, said the bridge would make it easier for residents to travel between towns and transport agricultural products to markets. She added that they can now easily go to Carmen during events.

Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, in a message read by Ollie Dagala of the MinDA Investment Promotion and Public Affairs Office, said the bridges would improve agricultural transport and reduce travel delays for farmers and traders.

"For the municipalities of Carmen and Kabacan, both major agricultural hubs, these bridges ensure faster transport of goods, reduce harvest losses, and strengthen market access," Magno said.

He said these parallel bridges also provide redundancy and resilience. Dagala added that during unforeseen events, connectivity is maintained, preventing community isolation and ensuring the continuous flow of goods and services.

"In Mindanao, we often say that infrastructure is a bridge to peace. By connecting communities and opening access to economic opportunities, we lay the foundation for stability, peace, inclusion, and long-term development," he said.

Magno said MinDA remains committed to strengthening connections and sharing the benefits of peace through the Building a Better Mindanao program. He added that they continue working with local partners to improve lives. (With a report from PNA)