The long-delayed Villasis–Sto. Tomas Bridge in Pangasinan is targeted for completion by 2027, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to finish all pending infrastructure projects within his term.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the bridge, which has remained unfinished for nearly a decade, has burdened residents and motorists who have been forced to take long detours when traveling between the two towns.

“Residents and motorists have been struggling and losing so much time traveling long distances just to reach the two towns,” Dizon said during an inspection of the site on Friday.

He said funding has now been secured to complete the bridge by 2027, describing the timeline as “realistic” based on the current progress and budget availability.

The project has reportedly been stalled for around five years despite repeated allocations. During the inspection, Dizon noted that the partially built structure has limited use and stressed the importance of completing idle infrastructure.

“Dami na namang nakatengga, taon-taon na binibigyan. Ang utos na lang ni Pangulo: tapusin na natin,” Dizon said. “Kahit gaano kaganda ‘to, kung nakabitin at putol, hindi naman magagamit ng mga kababayan natin.”

Dizon said the DPWH and local officials agreed to ensure continuous funding until the project’s completion and to avoid the long-standing practice of staggered, “phase-by-phase” implementation.

“Ang problema, tinitingi yung pondo, kaya walang katapusan yung mga project. Hindi na natin gagawin yan. Hindi puwedeng mag-start ng panibago hangga’t hindi matapos yung mga ongoing,” he said.

He added that the department would coordinate with Congress to push for full funding releases for major infrastructure projects to prevent delays caused by fragmented budgets.

“Kung ipapakita natin sa Kongreso ang benepisyo sa mga commuter at motorista, susuportahan nila ang buo at tuloy-tuloy na pondo,” Dizon added.

Once finished, the Villasis–Sto. Tomas Bridge is expected to reduce travel time between the two Pangasinan towns from about 30 minutes to five minutes, easing congestion and improving connectivity in central Pangasinan.