MANILA — The inauguration of the three core projects under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP) worth PHP25.26 billion in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay will drive economic development in the region, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Friday.
In a keynote speech during the inaugural ceremony, Marcos said the completion of the three road projects is a testament to the government’s commitment to push for infrastructure development beyond the country’s metropolitan areas.
“After four years since it started finally, we are here to open the three core projects that originally formed the backbone of the IGCMRSP. I’d like to note that these projects have expanded from their original scope to include additional road and bridge developments across the Zamboanga Peninsula out to Tawi-Tawi,” Marcos said.
“It (inauguration of the road projects) will also amplify the effects of our economic and peace and order intiatives here in Mindanao,” he added.
The IGCMRSP is projected to ramp up infrastructure development and improve people’s access to basic social services in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The three core projects include the Alicia-Malangas Road and Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road both in Zamboanga Sibugay and the Tampilisan-Sandayong Road, located in Zamboanga del Norte.
The road projects comprise a total road length of 69.07 kilometers including 11 bridges.
The improvements consist of paving earth and gravel roads, replacing damaged road sections, widening existing roads, and replacing and strengthening existing bridges.
The roads were designed to strengthen resilience against climate change through slope protections and improved drainage structures.
Marcos thanked the Asian Development Bank and other private partners for being “steadfast and longstanding” partners in improving the critical infrastructure in the country.
He ensured that improved physical connectivity “will always be a vital facet of our development efforts.”
“That is why this government is more determined than ever to pursue projects that will recognize our dream of a stronger and more interconnected Philippines,” Marcos said. “We will continue to build roads, bridges, ports and airports all over the country so we can bring Filipinos closer together.” (PNA)
