Over 200 Families in Mandaue to be Displaced by New Cebu-Mactan Bridge Project
More than 200 families residing in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City are slated to be affected by the construction of the fourth Cebu-Mactan Bridge, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion in the region. The planned bridge, measuring 3.34 kilometers in length and featuring a four-lane cable-stayed design, will connect Paknaan to Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City, creating a vital new transportation link.
Project Details and Alignment
The ambitious project also includes a 4.9-kilometer Mandaue Coastal Road, or bypass road, which will stretch from Barangay Looc to Liloan to facilitate smoother travel to Northern Cebu. Under the proposed alignment, the bridge and coastal road will follow the E.C. Ouano Wharf, connect to Zuelig Road, and link with the Lapu-Lapu flyover to Mandaue City, establishing a fresh route between Ibo and the area near Cansaga Bay Bridge.
The total cost is estimated to reach P76.41 billion, with funding sourced from loans provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026 or earlier, pending the completion of engineering designs and the acquisition of right-of-way.
Displacement and Relocation Concerns
In February 2026, the project, managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is nearing the start of civil works. Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano revealed in a media interview on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that 205 families currently living on government land will be displaced once construction begins.
He noted that DPWH representatives have already met with city officials earlier this month to seek assistance in notifying affected residents about their urgent relocation. Mayor Ouano emphasized that while the project aims to start in April to address traffic woes, the relocation of families cannot be rushed.
“The intention is good, but we ask for extra time to properly discuss with the families so they can be settled appropriately,” Ouano stated. “What I want is for them to be given a relocation site with financial assistance coming from the national government.”
Background of Affected Families
The affected families are primarily fire victims from Barangay Subangdaku and Tipolo who relocated to the area approximately two years ago when the land was vacant. Project officials have conducted preliminary meetings with family representatives, and the city government is preparing to engage directly with residents through a public hearing.
If on-site relocation is not feasible, the national government has pledged financial aid. Mayor Ouano described the assistance as “substantial” compared to what the city can provide, though he did not disclose the exact amount and mentioned that no relocation site has been finalized yet.
The project underscores the balance between infrastructure development and community welfare, highlighting the challenges of urban expansion in rapidly growing regions like Cebu.
