French Embassy assessor visits Bohol Capitol ahead of Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Bridge review

By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 09:53 AM February 08, 2026

TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol (PGBh) hosted a key official from the French Embassy on Friday, February 6, 2026, as preparations intensify for the assessment of the proposed Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Island Bridge, a flagship infrastructure project aimed at easing congestion and strengthening inter-island connectivity.

Marc Raynal, director of the Development Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, Environment, Mobility and Planning of the French Embassy, paid a courtesy visit to the Provincial Capitol ahead of a scheduled project assessment on February 9. The visit signals growing international engagement in Bohol’s major transport initiatives.

Governor Aris Aumentado led the reception and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to infrastructure development that promotes economic growth, sustainable mobility, and environmental protection. Joining the governor were Legal Officer Handel Lagunay; Provincial Planning and Development Officer 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., highlighting a whole-of-government approach to project planning and implementation.

Raynal’s visit forms part of the groundwork for evaluating the readiness of potential partner companies and the institutional capacity of key government agencies involved in the project, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The assessment will also determine whether technical, administrative, and operational requirements are in place to ensure a smooth and coordinated project rollout.

During the meeting, Raynal expressed optimism over the level of coordination among national agencies, the provincial government, and private stakeholders. While acknowledging the complexity of large-scale infrastructure projects, he noted that the challenges identified so far appear manageable and within the capacity of the concerned institutions to address.

Vistal underscored the urgency of constructing a third bridge, citing the increasing traffic volume between Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island. With the Bohol–Panglao International Airport now fully operational, the two existing bridges are no longer sufficient to handle the growing flow of vehicles, particularly during peak travel periods.

The proposed Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Bridge is envisioned as a heavy-duty structure capable of accommodating both passenger and cargo traffic, improving mobility between the airport, seaport, and urban centers, and easing chronic congestion along the Tagbilaran–Panglao corridor.

The project has already secured national endorsements and passed through a rigorous planning process, including approvals by the Provincial Development Council (PDC) and the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Feasibility studies have been conducted by the DPWH and the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), while the DPWH Regional Office has completed the acquisition of the project’s right of way—placing the bridge in an advanced state of readiness.

Beyond the proposed third bridge, Aumentado also raised the possibility of widening the two existing bridges as a complementary solution to traffic congestion. He noted that improved circulation and infrastructure planning could also support broader environmental management efforts, including mitigating red tide occurrences through better water movement.

As Bohol continues to modernize its transport network, projects like the Third Tagbilaran–Panglao Bridge underscore the provincial government’s commitment to resilient, people-centered, and sustainable development.