P76.4B bridge, coastal road

CEBU, Philippines — Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have formally presented to Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano a proposal for the construction of a fourth bridge with a coastal road linking the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. The project, which costs P76.412 billion, will be funded partly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Engr. Renz Daniel del Rosario and project engineer Francis Gabriel M. Atienza said the proposed infrastructure aims to provide an alternative route for motorists and help ease traffic congestion in the city. Based on the proposal, construction is targeted to begin within the year.

The 3.3-kilometer, four-lane bridge is estimated to cost ?76.412 billion. Part of the funding requirement will be sourced from a 120-billion-yen loan, equivalent to around ?50 billion, through Japan’s official development assistance program.

Under the proposed alignment, the bridge and coastal road will run alongside the E.C. Ouano Wharf, connect to Zuelig Road, and link the Lapu-Lapu flyover to Mandaue City. It will establish a new connection between Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City and an area near the Cansaga Bay Bridge.

Mayor Ouano and members of the City Council welcomed the proposal, noting that the revised alignment would significantly improve traffic management by providing an additional access route for the public.

City officials also said the project could potentially be expanded to connect the tri-cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu City, further easing congestion and improving mobility across Metro Cebu.

In an interview with the media on February 17, 2026, Ouano disclosed that the DPWH informed the city that an area in Barangay Paknaan would be affected, as it would serve as the project’s starting point.

According to the city’s Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO), around 196 families—mostly informal settlers—would be affected. These families are fire victims from previous years in Barangays Subangdaku and Tipolo who are temporarily residing in Barangay Paknaan.

The mayor said the city will receive assistance from the national government and assured that the affected residents will be properly relocated. He added that efforts are underway to ensure that the relocation site will remain within Mandaue City.

“Gihisgotan man gud nila nga kung makakita ta og relocation outside na of the city which dili kaayo ko favorable,” Ouano said, explaining that residents are already accustomed to living in the city and would prefer relocation within Mandaue, even if in a different barangay.

He also said the project will undergo a public hearing, during which homeowners will be informed about the planned development.

“Pasabton (sila) nga needed (ang area) for the national project kaning coastal highway together with the fourth bridge,” he said.

Ouano expressed optimism about the coastal highway project, saying it would significantly help decongest traffic in the city.

“Mao gyud to ang makatabang to decongest ang traffic diri sa city niya lahos na dayon didto sa Consolacion town through the Cansaga Bridge,” he added. — Lynda Katherine Mecaros UP Intern (FREEMAN)