In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision for inclusive development, resilience, and sustained infrastructure growth, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is nearing the completion of another major infrastructure initiative in Mindanao.
According to Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, who oversees DPWH’s infrastructure flagship projects, the 33.05-kilometer Curuan–Sibuco Road — funded under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project — is now over 96% complete, with full completion targeted by September 2025.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan received an on-site update from Senior Undersecretary Sadain during a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing road works connecting Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte on July 4, 2025. The inspection team from implementing office DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II) included Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim, Project Managers Evangeline L. Carabal and Emmanuel M. Supe, Mr. Mike Abubakar of M. Abubakar Construction and Engineering Inc., and project consultants from Renardet S.A. Consulting Engineers.
“The ₱2.088-billion Curuan–Sibuco Road enhances connectivity, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services. This infrastructure is transformative for economic, social, and peace-building efforts in the region,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
Once completed, the road will reduce travel time from 4–5 hours to just 1.5–2 hours, lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, and facilitate the faster and more affordable transport of agricultural products—such as coconut, rubber, corn, fruits, and seafood. This translates to improved market access and higher income for farmers in rural communities.
The project also holds significant implications for peace and security. Previously isolated areas are now accessible, enabling better delivery of government services and faster emergency and law enforcement response times.
The construction phase has already created jobs for locals, and the completed road is expected to attract investments in logistics, agri-trade, and tourism, unlocking the economic potential of Region 9 and promoting balanced growth across Mindanao.
This Build Better More initiative aligns with the Bagong Pilipinas governance and development agenda, emphasizing improved infrastructure, regional equity, and national resilience.
During the same inspection on July 4, Senior Undersecretary Sadain and his team also visited the PR-13, Siay–Gapol Road Project in Zamboanga Sibugay, another vital sub-project under the ADB-funded program.
The ₱1.33-billion project spans 18.64 kilometers, consisting of 18.32 km of portland concrete cement pavement and two (2) bridges totaling 311.80 linear meters. As of the latest update, the project is 80.34% complete, with the Kima Bridge at 96% completion and already passable, while the Binangonan Bridge is currently at 52%.
This project is being undertaken by ESR Construction and Development Corporation in joint venture with Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co. Ltd, with completion targeted for 2026.