The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is pushing to expedite the construction of the Guicam Bridge Project in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, a major inter-island connectivity project under the Build Better More infrastructure program and aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration for inclusive and sustainable national development.
A key component of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP) financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the ₱1.155 Billion Guicam Bridge will link Olutanga Island to the mainland through the municipality of Alicia, significantly improving mobility and economic integration across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
In an update to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported that the project has now reached 87.90% completion. All major foundation works have been completed, including the installation of 115 bored piles—99 offshore piles (2.2 meters in diameter) and 16 land-based piles (1.2 meters in diameter).
During a site visit on Friday, July 4, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, who oversees DPWH’s flagship infrastructure projects, directed the contractor Grace Construction Corporation with its joint venture partner Tianyuan Construction Group Corporation and project supervision consultant Renardet S.A. Consulting Engineers to intensify girder installation and concrete works.
He was joined by DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II) Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, UPMO Project Managers Evangeline L. Carabal and Emmanuel M. Supe, and Project Engineer Barley H. Sali. Former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim, who initially led the project, was also present and shared his technical insights.
Work is currently focused on superstructure development, with particular emphasis on girder launching and deck slab concreting. Expert support is being tapped to accelerate these operations.
To date, four (4) girders have been successfully launched at Span 1 (Abutment A to Pier 1), with the corresponding deck slab already completed. Girder fabrication is also progressing well, with 40 of 48 girders completed, and 36 units stressed and grouted.
On Approach B (Olutanga Island side), retaining wall and embankment construction is ongoing. Simultaneously, portland cement concrete pavement and line canal works are progressing on Approach A (mainland side).
The Guicam Bridge, which spans the Canalizo Strait, will stretch 540.80 meters, composed of 12 spans of Type VI Prestressed Concrete Girders. It will be supported by approach roads measuring 389.60 meters on the mainland side and 277.62 meters on the island side.
Designed to accommodate maritime traffic, the bridge includes a navigational clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24.00 meters in width.
“Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance regional logistics, and strengthen inter-island connectivity and access to essential services across southwestern Mindanao — contributing to an improved quality of life and driving inclusive growth,” Senior Undersecretary Sadain said.