25/05/2026
MPW-BARMM Inaugurates Libungan Torreta-Kabuntalan Bridge, Turns Over 17 Infra Projects in SGA
PAHAMUDDIN, SGA — The Bangsamoro Government, led by Office of the Chief Minister Abdulraof "Sammy Gambar" A. Macacua, through his Chief of Staff Jamel B. Macacua, and Ministry of Public Works (MPW) Minister Architect Eduard Uy Guerra, officially inaugurated the Libungan Torreta-Kabuntalan Bridge and turned over 17 vital infrastructure projects today, May 25.
The centerpiece of the mass turnover ceremony was the completion of thePhase 1 and 2 of the bridge, a 150-linear meter structure fully funded through BARMM's block grant with a total appropriation of Php 180 million.
Alongside the bridge, the Ministry also turned over 17 completed road concreting projects and and level II water systems designed to permanently address rural isolation and stimulate agricultural trade across the Special Geographic Area (SGA) and Maguindanao del Norte.
Delivering a message on behalf of Minister Guerra, Bangsamoro Director General Engr. Danilo A. Ong underscored the strategic and economic importance of the new transport link.
"Bridges do not simply connect two pieces of land. They connect people, livelihoods, aspirations, and opportunities," said DG Ong, noting that the bridge also serves as a vital diversion route to bypass heavy traffic in Cotabato City, thereby significantly reducing travel time.
Meanwhile, the OCM's Chief of Staff Jamel B. Macacua emphasized that the massive infrastructure investment is a testament to the regional government's priority of uplifting vulnerable communities.
"A strong Bangsamoro is built through real projects that people can see, use, and benefit from every single day," he noted, adding that true development strengthens peace in the region.
MPW Construction Division Chief and Cotabato City Acting District Engineer Tarhata P. Kalim presented the project's technical brief, recalling the rigorous two-and-a-half-year construction process of the region's longest locally funded bridge, and the challenges that came with its implementation.
"This bridge is not just steel and concrete; it is a symbol of unity, dreams, and hope for the Bangsamoro," Engr. Kalim shared.
Pahamuddin Vice Mayor Ibrahim Lauban Rahman, representing Mayor Yasser B. Ebrahim, recalled the community's past struggles prior to the bridge's construction.
"For years, our students and farmers endured the daily challenge of crossing the river in order to go to school or to sell their agricultural products. Today, what used to be a long and difficult journey now only takes a few minutes," Vice Mayor Rahman shared.
Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Hon. Datu Umbra B. Dilangalen also expressed his deep gratitude for the regional government's continued investments in their municipality.
"We cannot describe how happy we are to finally have this beautiful bridge. This connects our communities to progress and serves as a bridge of peace," Mayor Dilangalen added.
Operations and Infrastructure Services Director II Nazer P. Ebus, for his part, called the accomplishment "a shared victory for the government and the community."
"Today's activity is not only a celebration of completed projects, but also a symbol of unity, cooperation, and progress for the people of Pahamuddin and Northern Kabuntalan," Dir. Ebus concluded.
