The Curuan-Sibuco Road in Zamboanga is nearing completion, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported Monday, 7 July.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said the 33.05-kilometer (km) Curuan–Sibuco Road, funded under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project, is now over 96 percent complete.

Sadain said its full completion targeted by September.

“The ₱2.088-billion Curuan–Sibuco Road enhances connectivity, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services. This infrastructure is transformative for economic, social, and peace-building efforts in the region,” Sadain said.

Once completed, the road will reduce travel time from four to five hours to just 1.5 to two hours, lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, and facilitate the faster and more affordable transport of agricultural products—such as coconut, rubber, corn, fruits, and seafood.

The DPWH official said this would translatesto improved market access and higher income for farmers in rural communities.

The project also holds significant implications for peace and security, Sadain noted.

Previously isolated areas are now accessible, enabling better delivery of government services and faster emergency and law enforcement response times.

The construction phase has already created jobs for locals, and the completed road is expected to attract investments in logistics, agri-trade, and tourism, unlocking the economic potential of Region 9 and promoting balanced growth across Mindanao.

This Build Better More initiative aligns with the Bagong Pilipinas governance and development agenda, emphasizing improved infrastructure, regional equity, and national resilience.

Siay-Gapal Road

During the same inspection on 4 July, Sadain and his team also visited the PR-13, Siay–Gapol Road Project in Zamboanga Sibugay, another vital sub-project under the ADB-funded program.

The ₱1.33-billion project spans 18.64 km, consisting of 18.32 km of portland concrete cement pavement and two bridges totaling 311.80 linear meters.

As of the latest update, the project is 80.34 percent complete, with the Kima Bridge at 96 percent completion and already passable, while the Binangonan Bridge is currently at 52 percent.

This project is being undertaken by ESR Construction and Development Corporation in joint venture with Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co. Ltd, with completion targeted for 2026.