The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is intensifying efforts to expedite the construction of the Guicam Bridge Project in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, a pivotal inter-island connectivity initiative under the “Build Better More” infrastructure program and aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision for inclusive and sustainable national development.
A key component of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-financed Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), the ₱1.155 billion Guicam Bridge is set to establish a vital link between Olutanga Island and the mainland via the municipality of Alicia. This connection is anticipated to significantly enhance mobility and foster economic integration throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
In a recent update to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported that the project has achieved an impressive 87.90% completion rate. All major foundation works are now complete, including the successful installation of 115 bored piles, comprising 99 offshore piles (2.2 meters in diameter) and 16 land-based piles (1.2 meters in diameter).
During a comprehensive site visit on Friday, July 4, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, who oversees DPWH’s flagship infrastructure projects, issued directives to the contractor, Grace Construction Corporation, its joint venture partner Tianyuan Construction Group Corporation, and project supervision consultant Renardet S.A. Consulting Engineers. He urged them to intensify girder installation and concrete works to maintain the project’s accelerated pace. He was joined by key DPWH officials, including DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II) Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, UPMO Project Managers Evangeline L. Carabal and Emmanuel M. Supe, and Project Engineer Barley H. Sali. Former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim also offered valuable technical insights.
Current efforts are concentrated on the superstructure development, with a strong emphasis on girder launching and deck slab concreting. Expert support is being leveraged to further accelerate these critical operations. To date, four girders have been successfully launched at Span 1 (Abutment A to Pier 1), with the corresponding deck slab already completed. Girder fabrication is also progressing efficiently, with 40 of 48 girders completed, and 36 units stressed and grouted.
Concurrently, retaining wall and embankment construction is underway on Approach B (Olutanga Island side), while Portland cement concrete pavement and line canal works are advancing on Approach A (mainland side).
The Guicam Bridge, spanning the Canalizo Strait, will stretch 540.80 meters, featuring 12 spans of Type VI Prestressed Concrete Girders. It will be complemented by approach roads measuring 389.60 meters on the mainland side and 277.62 meters on the island side. Designed to accommodate maritime traffic, the bridge incorporates a navigational clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24.00 meters in width.
“Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance regional logistics, and strengthen inter-island connectivity and access to essential services across southwestern Mindanao — contributing to an improved quality of life and driving inclusive growth,” Senior Undersecretary Sadain stated.
