The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially begun the installation of the pre-stressed concrete deck girder for the inter-island bridge that will significantly improve the link between Olutanga Island and the mainland in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay Province.
In his inspection report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted the successful launch of four (4) pre-stressed concrete girders between abutment A and pier 1 of the ₱1.155 Billion Guicam Bridge Project along the Lutiman-Guicam-Mabuhay-Olutanga Road.
The bridge project across Canalizo Strait with a total length of 1.21 kilometers, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s Bagong Pilipinas goal of connecting islands and isolated areas to stimulate growth and development.
Other significant progress on the bridge’s construction are the completion of all 115 bored piles, the fabrication of 33 out of 48 girders, the completion of Abutment B, and the construction of seven (7) out of the 11 piers.
This development marks a major step toward the completion of the bridge this year 2025, which will further strengthen the connectivity between Olutanga Island and the rest of Zamboanga Sibugay, improving mobility, commerce, and accessibility for residents and businesses alike, added Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
During the inspection on March 28, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain was joined by DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, Project Managers Emmanuel Supe and Evangeline L. Carabal, and former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim.
The Guicam Bridge, which spans 540.80 meters in length and 6.70 meters in width, features a 389.60-meter portland concrete cement pavement approach road on the mainland and a 277.62-meter approach road on Olutanga Island.
Part of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project funded by the Asian Development Bank Loan No. 3631-PHI, the project under Build Better More program is designed to improve transportation, facilitate economic activities, and enhance mobility in Zamboanga Sibugay.
By connecting Olutanga Island with the rest of Mindanao, the bridge is expected to benefit the agriculture and fisheries sectors, by providing more efficient access to markets and resources.
The bridge is also viewed as a catalyst for promoting peace and security in the region by fostering better integration and cooperation between the island and mainland communities.
