President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the P8.03-billion Panguil Bay Bridge yesterday, significantly reducing travel time between Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte from two hours to just seven minutes.
The President, joined by First Lady Liza Marcos, toured the 3.17-kilometer bridge before presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Funded through a loan agreement with the Korean Export-Import Bank, the bridge connects Tangub City in Misamis Occidental to Tubod town in Lanao del Norte, making it the longest sea-crossing bridge in Mindanao.
During his speech, President Marcos highlighted the bridge’s long-awaited construction, which began in 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints. “We waited for this for such a long time,” he said, noting the project’s potential to boost economic growth in the region.
South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and other government officials also attended the event. Ambassador Lee emphasized that the bridge is a symbol of progress and cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines.
