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The Public-Private Partnership Center is looking for a consultant for the privatization of the Panguil Bay Bridge
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The bridge, completed in 2024, is eyed for conversion into a tollway with operations and management under a private entity
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Interested consultants have until March 18, 2026 to submit their expressions of interest
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The consultancy involves determining the most appropriate or optimal PPP arrangement for the project
The Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) is looking for a consultant for the privatization of the Panguil Bay Bridge, a move that will mean the project’s conversion into a tollway with operations and management (O&M) under a private entity.
In a request for expression of interest (EOI) posted on February 16, PPPC said interested consultants have until March 18, 2026 to register with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Consultant Management System and provide the required information through its Consulting Services Recruitment Notice for the project. PPPC’s Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) will then draw up the shortlist of consultants from those who submitted their EOIs. Thereafter, the shortlisted consultants will be invited to submit proposals.
The engagement of a consultant follows a 2014 feasibility study recommendation that the O&M of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project should be implemented through public-private partnership (PPP) or through a private sector partner.
“By adopting PPP for the O&M component, the Panguil Bay Bridge project aims to ensure sustainable operations while maintaining optimal service levels throughout the concession period,” according to the consultancy project’s terms of reference (TOR).
The 3.6-kilometer sea-crossing bridge – connecting Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Tangub, Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao – was completed and opened in September 2024. It was built through a soft loan from the Korean Export-Import Bank–Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
The Panguil Bay Bridge has cut travel time between Tubod and Tangub to approximately 7-10 minutes from 1-1/2 to 2 hours through a road around the bay.
Based on the TOR, the consultant will determine the preliminary economic and financial viability of the project through different financing schemes, and conduct a full feasibility study if the Panguil Bay Bridge O&M Project is to be pursued through PPP.
The consultancy work also involves preparing the bid/tender document, provide advisory and transaction support to the DPWH, and ensure effective bid process and contract execution until the financial close of the project if it is to be pursued through PPP.
The consultancy will determine the most appropriate or optimal PPP arrangement considering concerns of all stakeholders, as well as pertinent rules and regulations.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2025 applied for Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) support for the provision of consultancy services for the O&M of the Panguil Bay Bridge. The application was provisionally approved on October 1, 2025.
In 2024, ADB and the Philippine government signed a loan agreement to infuse additional funding for the PDMF, a revolving fund to help government agencies prepare bankable PPP projects by funding transaction advisors and consultants for studies, procurement, and support services, ensuring well-structured, attractive infrastructure projects for private investment.
PPPC said it intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of the loan to engage a consultant to provide project preparation and transaction advisory services for the bridge project.
