Work is underway in the Philippines for the $491.32 million project, Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP). The project is being managed by the Department of Finance (DoF), with much of the financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The ADB has provided the majority of the funding, $380 million, with the remaining $111.32 million being provided by the Philippines Government. The project is one of several intended to boost capacity for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area road network.
Work on the RT Lim-Siocon Road linking Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte is close to completion with the route due to be ready for use in September 2025. Construction work for the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No 1 in Tawi-Tawi Province is also close to completion. The 541m bridge will link Bongao Island and Sanga-Sanga Island and is due to open to traffic in August 2025.
According to the ADB, the project will improve an estimated 280km of national primary, secondary, and tertiary roads in Mindanao. Maintenance and repairs will be carried out, with some unmade roads being surfaced and bridges being repaired. Work carried out will ensure climate resilience and environmental protection, with improved drainage as well as safety for road users being prioritised. The ADB says that the project will also provide the financing to improve a further 300km of national roads in Mindanao.