The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) welcomed Marc Raynal, Director of the Development Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility and Planning of the French Embassy, on February 6, 2026, at the Capitol, ahead of a crucial assessment related to the proposed Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Island Bridge.
Gov. Aris Aumentado led the reception of the French Embassy official, underscoring the province’s commitment to advancing major infrastructure projects that support economic growth and sustainable mobility. He was joined by Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Head Atty. John Titus Vistal, Officer-In-Charge of the Provincial Engineer’s Office Engr. Evelyn Ayuban, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) Head Jovencia Ganub, and BPEMO Forester Restituto Piollo Jr., reflecting a multi-strategic approach to project planning and environmental stewardship.
𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄. Gov. Aris Aumentado (left) welcomed Marc Raynal (right), Director of the Development Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility and Planning of the French Embassy, on February 6, 2026, at the Capitol, ahead of a crucial assessment related to the proposed Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Island Bridge. 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗜𝗠𝗢/𝗝𝗜𝗖
Raynal’s visit forms part of the preparatory activities for the project’s assessment scheduled on Monday, February 9, 2026. The evaluation focuses on determining the preparedness of prospective partner companies and the capacity of various government agencies involved in the project’s implementation, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The assessment also aims to ensure that technical, administrative, and operational requirements are aligned for a smooth project rollout.
During the meeting, Raynal conveyed a positive outlook on the current state of coordination among the participating institutions and private stakeholders. He noted that while challenges are inevitable in large-scale infrastructure projects, the issues identified so far appear manageable and well within the capacity of the concerned agencies to address.
Raynal further expressed optimism and confidence in the direction of the project and the collaborative efforts of local and national partners.
Atty. John Titus Vistal emphasized the need for a third bridge, citing the increasing traffic volume between Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island. He explained that the existing two bridges have become inadequate to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, particularly with the airport now located in Panglao.
The proposed bridge is envisioned as a heavy-duty structure designed to efficiently handle both passenger and commodity traffic, improve the flow of vehicles from the airport to the city, and reduce congestion between the seaport and the airport.
The Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Bridge is a nationally endorsed project that underwent a rigorous planning process, beginning with endorsement through the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and Regional Development Council (RDC), followed by feasibility studies conducted by national agencies such as DPWH and the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO). The DPWH Regional Office has also completed the acquisition of the project’s right of way, marking a significant milestone in the project’s readiness.
In addition to supporting the new bridge, Gov. Aumentado proposed exploring the possible widening of the two existing bridges as a complementary measure to address traffic concerns and contribute to broader environmental management strategies, including efforts to mitigate red tide impacts through improved circulation and infrastructure planning. These integrated approaches highlight the province’s forward-looking vision for resilient and sustainable infrastructure development in Bohol, the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark.
As Bohol continues to strengthen inter-island connectivity and modernize its transport network, initiatives such as the Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Bridge reinforce the Capitol’s commitment to long-term, people-centered development. This effort aligns with the Provincial Government’s Strategic Change Agenda, particularly under the focus area of Governance and Service Delivery Excellence. (𝐏𝐈𝐌𝐎/𝐉𝐅𝐏)
