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Three key bridge projects aimed at improving connectivity in the province of Tawi-Tawi are making significant headway, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways
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The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1 and Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3, which are set to ease congestion on Bongao Island, are both eyed for completion next year
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The 569-meter Tongsinah–Paniongan Bridge, connecting Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga Island, has begun civil works after receiving a notice to proceed on July 16, 2024
Three key bridge projects aimed at improving connectivity in the province of Tawi-Tawi are making significant headway, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1 and Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3, located in the southwestern tip of the Sulu archipelago, are steadily transforming from their foundations to functional structures that will soon link various islands in the province, DPWH said in a statement.
The 541-meter Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1, which spans the Bongao Channel, will connect Bongao Island—Tawi-Tawi’s capital—to Sanga-Sanga Island is set for completion by July 2025.
Awarded to China Wuyi Co., Ltd. with a contract amount of ₱893 million, the project is 64% complete, with significant milestones such as the completion of pile caps, backwalls, wingwalls for abutment B, and other key structures.
DPWH said ongoing work includes rebar installation, approach railing and sidewalk construction at abutment B, drilling for pier 9, and pile cap installation at pier 6.
The ongoing 681-meter Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3 across the Manalik Channel, will link Sanga- Sanga to mainland Tawi-Tawi.
This project, contracted to a consortium of V.T. Lao Construction and China Wuyi Co., Ltd. for ₱1.25 billion, is 32.9% complete and expected to be finished by September 2025.
Key accomplishments include the completion of over half of the 99 bored piles and the construction of foundations and initial structures from the channel.
The 569-meter Tongsinah–Paniongan Bridge, connecting Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga Island, has begun civil works after receiving a notice to proceed on July 16, 2024, to the China Wuyi Co., Ltd./ Vicente T. Lao joint venture. This bridge will provide a direct route between Bongao, a major growth center, and future growth centers in Panglima Sugala and Pababag Island.
Development plans for Pababag Island include a large-scale seaweed processing plant and housing projects, significantly boosting the local economy.
Funded by the Asian Development Bank under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project, DPWH said these bridges are part of its commitment to advancing infrastructure projects that not only connect communities but also foster economic growth and development across the Philippines.
The bridges support the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s economic development and leverage Tawi-Tawi’s strategic location within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area.
“By enhancing local and regional market connectivity, these bridges are expected to attract more investors, stimulate economic activities, and improve the quality of life for the people of Tawi-Tawi,” DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain said.
