Guicam Bridge Set to Welcome All Vehicles Starting Monday

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay- After years of anticipation, the Guicam Bridge is finally set to become fully operational on Monday, September 28, opening a new land link for communities in the island municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The announcement was made by 1st District Representative Atty. Marlo S. Bancoro and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon in a video shared by the congressman on Thursday.

Unlike the usual opening of major government infrastructure projects, the bridge will begin full operations without a grand ceremony or extravagant inauguration, allowing residents and motorists to simply begin using the long-awaited connection.

In the video, Dizon confirmed that the bridge will accommodate both light and heavy vehicles, provided that the vehicle and its load do not exceed the prescribed 40-ton maximum weight limit.

The DPWH secretary appealed to motorists and residents to help protect the bridge by strictly observing the weight restriction and avoiding overloading.

Dizon stressed that responsible use of the infrastructure will be important in keeping the bridge in good condition and extending its service life for the communities that depend on it.

The opening has been eagerly awaited not only by residents of the island municipalities but also by people from outside the area who regularly travel to and from the island communities for work, business, trade, government transactions and other activities.

For years, transportation between the islands and the mainland has depended largely on sea travel. The Guicam Bridge is expected to significantly ease that burden by providing a direct road connection and making the movement of people and goods faster and more convenient.

The bridge is also expected to benefit farmers, fisherfolk, traders, workers and students, who will have improved access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, government offices and other essential services.

Beyond transportation, the new connection is expected to support economic activity in the island communities by making it easier to bring agricultural and fishery products to markets and encouraging greater movement of visitors and businesses.

For many residents, the full opening of the Guicam Bridge is more than the completion of another infrastructure project. It represents the fulfillment of a long-awaited connection that has been anticipated for years.

With Monday's opening, motorists will finally be able to cross the bridge under regular operations-subject to the 40-ton maximum load limit.

As the bridge begins serving the public, Dizon's message is clear: its long-term serviceability will depend not only on government maintenance but also on the responsibility of those who use it.

The Guicam Bridge now stands ready to connect communities, shorten journeys and open wider opportunities for the people of Zamboanga Sibugay - without the fanfare of a grand ceremony, but with an impact that residents have long been waiting for.