Inter-island connectivity is something most of us in Luzon need not worry about. The vast majority of provinces across different regions can be accessed by land, and it’s something we often take for granted. For those living in the south, however, it’s of utmost importance.
This is why the new Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay is a big deal to the Zamboangueños in the province. It has just been opened to the public, and it enables land travel between Olutanga Island and the mainland via the Municipality of Alicia.
The bridge will reduce travel time to and from the island from two hours down to just two minutes. But more than that, it will also significantly reduce the cost of travel, which ultimately will also help bring down the cost of goods.
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The Department of Public Works and Highways has confirmed that all types of vehicles may pass through the bridge, but there will be a 25-ton limit to ensure the safety of all motorists.
Some residents of Zamboanga Sibugay shared that prior to the bridge’s construction, travel and the transport of goods to and from the island would require barges and boats, which were quite costly. They also had to wait in line for these boats, and on top of that, it was also never guaranteed that you would be able to get a ride.
The 1.21km Guicam Bridge is a P1.155-billion project financed by the Asian Development Bank.
