Caraga RDC Endorses P167-B Inter-Island Road Network to Boost Regional Connectivity

According to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga Director Gemima A. Olam, the P167 billion inter-regional infrastructure project will be spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with a target implementation period from 2025 to 2040. Philippine Information Agency

Project Overview

The ambitious infrastructure plan includes:

• Four coastal viaduct roads spanning 20.77 kilometers.

• A 3.2 km bridge from Surigao City to Nonoc Island.

• A 1.2 km bridge from Nonoc Island to Dinagat Islands.

• Two bridges within the Dinagat Islands measuring 0.80 km and 0.20 km, respectively.

• A 28 km long-span bridge connecting Tubajon in Dinagat to Anahawan in Southern Leyte.

The project is divided into two main components: the Caraga Section (Surigao del Norte to Dinagat Islands) and the connectivity to Southern Leyte via the proposed long-span bridge. Philippine Information Agency+1NEDA+1

Addressing Regional Challenges

Director Olam highlighted that the lack of land-based connectivity has hindered economic development in the region, particularly in island areas like Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and parts of the Visayas. She noted that with an average of 20 typhoons per year and limited access to transportation, the delivery of goods and services is adversely affected during extreme weather events. Philippine Information AgencyMindaNews+1Philippine Information Agency+1

The absence of a bridge to connect these vital locations has resulted in high poverty incidence, partly attributable to inter-island barriers limiting access to economic and investment opportunities. Philippine Information Agency

Economic and Social Benefits

The proposed infrastructure is expected to provide a resilient, seamless, and inclusive transportation system in the region. It aims to reduce the local inflation rate to 2.4 percent by the end of 2028, increase local investment, and decrease travel time for goods and services. MindaNews+1Philippine Information Agency+1Philippine Information Agency+1MindaNews+1

Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. of the Province of Dinagat Islands and chairperson of the Caraga RDC expressed gratitude to the council and stakeholders for supporting the project. He emphasized that the connectivity through this project will address the problem of inadequate modes of transportation, especially during adverse weather conditions, which greatly affect the timely and efficient transport of goods and services. Philippine Information Agency+8Philippine Information Agency+8Philippine News Agency+8

Next Steps

The Caraga RDC plans to present this project, along with two other regional priority programs—the upgrade of regional hospitals to Level III and the establishment of an integrated grain processing center in Surigao del Sur—to President Marcos Jr. in April 2024. These initiatives are part of the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023–2028, aiming to bolster the region’s development trajectory and contribute to long-term economic growth. Philippine News Agency+2Philippine Information Agency+2NEDA+2NEDA+1Philippine Information Agency+1

While the project has been endorsed by the Caraga RDC, it awaits approval from the national government. Once approved by the President and included in the proposed annual budget, it will require Congressional approval for allocation under the General Appropriations Act. MindaNews

The Surigao City–Nonoc Island–Dinagat–Leyte road network stands as a transformative initiative poised to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and improve the quality of life for residents across the Caraga region and neighboring areas.