DBM to support complementary projects for Panguil Bay Bridge

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad has expressed full support to the Complementary Strategic Investment Program (CSIP) for the Panguil Bay Bridge Project (PBBP) which was submitted for his approval during the 106th meeting of the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-10), recently, in Tangub City.

In his keynote speech, Abad said that the PBBP will be a strategic infrastructure project that Mindanao needs not only to improve connectivity but also to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Abad said the good thing about Northern Mindanao was that its industrialization was based on agro-processing, which was a good approach in promoting agriculture and helping the poor.

The DBM head also advised to consider capacity-building, database formulation, good governance, strengthening private sector participation and proposal preparation in the CSIP fund requirement.

With a total investment requirement of 8.009 Billion, the CSIP-PBBP includes projects that would facilitate smooth project implementation and optimize the utilization of the bridge after completion; effect innovative utilization and management of the agricultural and aquamarine resources; and establish world-class cultural tourism and performing arts services in the municipality of Tubod in Lanao del Norte and Tangub City.

These projects are include those for implementation costing 190 Million that will be implemented within the short term and help ensure the smooth implementation of the PBBP such as housing and land development for affected households.

Category 2 covers operation facilitation programs and projects costing 1.063 Billion that will be implemented within the medium term (more than one year to six years after the start of PBBP implementation) such as the construction of road networks leading to Panguil Bay Bridge.

Category 3 includes programs and projects worth 5.646 Billion for the development of the bridge’s direct impact areas (Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte) that are to be implemented within the medium term or more than one year to six years after the start of PBBP implementation such as skills upgrading and environmental management.