The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to commence the feasibility study for the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD) Phase II, a significant undertaking poised to advance President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s infrastructure development agenda. This initiative aims to enhance inter-regional connectivity and foster inclusive economic growth across the Philippines.
Led by DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, with the oversight of Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, who manages Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded infrastructure flagship projects under the “Build Better More” program, the feasibility study is funded through Asian Development Bank (ADB) Loan No. 3886 – PHI (Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility – Additional Financing) with a contract value of $694.44 million.
The consulting services are officially scheduled to begin on June 7, 2025, and will encompass the feasibility study for the construction and/or replacement of 25 priority bridges across 11 regions, totaling an estimated combined length of 18.78 kilometers of bridge and approach roads.
“By expanding bridge infrastructure with ten (10) in Luzon, six (6) in Visayas, and nine (9) in Mindanao, the project is expected to enhance transport efficiency, strengthen disaster resilience, and boost local economies—especially in remote and underserved areas. It also directly aligns with President Marcos’ national priorities of balanced regional development and modern infrastructure connectivity,” stated Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
A formal kick-off meeting between the DPWH Bridges Management Cluster – Unified Project Management Office (BMC-UPMO) under Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, the ADB, and the consulting consortium was held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
The consortium is composed of SMEC International Pty Ltd. (lead) in joint venture with Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., COWI A/S, SMEC Philippines Inc., and associated with Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. (PRIMEX). This meeting marked the official start of the consulting services, following the approval of the Contract Agreement on May 9, 2025, and the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) on May 20, 2025, which was accepted by the consultant on May 28, 2025.
Notable attendees at the kick-off meeting included ADB Transport Sector Group – South East Asia Department Director Dong Kyu Lee, SMEC International Pty, Ltd./OCG/COWI A/S JV Project Manager/Sr. Highway Engineer Gavin Strid, SMEC Philippines President and Country Manager Hilario M. Pastrana, UPMO-BMC Project Managers Nina Y. Maniaul and Judee Ann D.R. Santillan, and representatives from various DPWH departments.
The consulting consortium will conduct the feasibility study over a 24-month period, which will form the crucial basis for the detailed design and subsequent construction phases of the project.
The list of priority bridges includes a mix of conventional pre-stressed concrete girder (PSCG) bridges, iconic cable-stayed bridges, arch bridges, an extradosed cable-stayed bridge, a steel truss bridge, and arch truss bridges, strategically located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to maximize regional impact.
