The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that construction of the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1 in Tawi-Tawi Province is now 96 percent complete and is scheduled to open by July 2025.
The 541-meter bridge, part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), aims to connect Bongao Island to Sanga-Sanga Island. It is one of three major bridges in Tawi-Tawi supporting the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration’s “Build Better More” program.
“These bridges are more than just structures of physical connectivity; they stand as powerful symbols.”
“The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge, along with its sister projects—the Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge No. 2 and the Malassa-Lupa Pila Bridge No. 3 in Tawi-Tawi—represents one of the most significant infrastructure support initiatives of the national government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These bridges are more than just structures of physical connectivity; they stand as powerful symbols of the government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling Mindanao’s long-held promise by unlocking its vast economic potential through modern, inclusive infrastructure,” said Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain who was designated by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to lead the Department’s infrastructure flagship projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA) and BARMM infrastructure initiatives.
Sadain and ADB Vice President Scott Morris conducted a site inspection at the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge Project, where they were welcomed by Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali.
The ₱1.08 billion project features a 380.8-meter bridge and a 160-meter approach road. It is being implemented by the Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II), under the leadership of Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon with Project Manager Ernante S. Antonio as project in-charge, and China Wuyi Co., Ltd. as contractor.
Present at the inspection were other ADB executives including Winfried Wicklein, Director General for Southeast Asia; Pavit Ramachandran, Country Director for the Philippines; Dong Kyu Lee, Transport Director; Transport Specialists Juan Gonzales and Faela Sufa; Joros Van Etten, Incoming Country Operations Head for the Philippines; Kelly Bird, Advisor to the East Asia Director General; Syed Asim Ali Sabzwari, Environmental Specialist; and Atty. Ruby Alvarez, Lead Project Officer (Infrastructure).
From the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev, formerly NEDA) were Undersecretary Joseph Capuno, Assistant Secretary Roderick Planta, and Director Aldwin Urbina. Representing the Department of Finance (DOF) were Undersecretary Joven Balbosa and Assistant Secretary Donalyn Minimo.
Also in attendance were other DPWH officials including UPMO-Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, former UPMO-RMC II Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim, Stakeholders Relations Service (SRS) Director Randy R. Del Rosario, BARMM Regional Project Management Office OIC-Director Eileen Diya, and Project Managers Emmanuel M. Supe and Evangeline L. Carabal.
In his report to Bonoan, Sadain stated that two (2) other bridge components under IGCMRSP are also making steady progress, contributing to the overall momentum of infrastructure development in the Tawi-Tawi.
The Malassa-Lupa Pila Bridge No. 3, which spans 680 meters across the Manalik Channel, is now 72 percent complete. The project connects Sanga-Sanga Island to mainland Tawi-Tawi and has completed deck slab installation up to Pier No. 3, with ongoing bored piling and fabrication works.
“These bridge projects are crucial for strengthening Tawi-Tawi’s transport system and boosting local industries like fishing and seaweed farming.”
The Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge No. 2, a 570-meter structure connecting Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga Island, is in the early phase of civil works, including bored piling and equipment mobilization.
According to him, these bridge projects are crucial for strengthening Tawi-Tawi’s transport system and boosting local industries like fishing and seaweed farming.
More importantly, they are part of a broader effort to support peace, stability, and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro.
