The Philippines is seeking an $875.64-million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve road connectivity in Mindanao.
The proposed Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Project Phase 2 aims to upgrade 220.6 kilometers of roads across six subprojects in Zamboanga City and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan and Sulu.
The project seeks to strengthen regional connectivity, stimulate local economic activity and contribute to efforts to address civil conflicts by improving access to communities, markets and economic opportunities.
According to the project description, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) identified the road sections as priorities for improving transport links and supporting economic development in the target areas.
The proposed works will cover the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of selected roads, including paving earth roads, widening existing routes, laying new road surfaces and building bridges. The infrastructure will incorporate climate-resilient features and road safety measures to improve the safety and reliability of transport networks.
Among the project’s major components are a 6.5-kilometer ocean-crossing viaduct and a 1.06-kilometer sea-crossing bridge designed to connect islands and improve access across geographically separated communities.
These structures are expected to address connectivity challenges in island areas, where limited transport links can constrain the movement of people, goods and services.
By 2033, the project aims to improve safe, reliable and climate-resilient road connectivity across the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM.
Its central objective is to establish a stronger regional road network that can support economic growth by improving access to markets, services and other economic centers.
The project also seeks to improve selected roads in the target areas through climate-resilient construction and upgrading works, with better transport links expected to help local communities participate more fully in regional economic activity.