Mandaue City Bridge Project to Displace 205 Families for Traffic Relief
In a significant development for Cebu's infrastructure, at least 205 families residing in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, are expected to be displaced to facilitate the construction of the fourth Cebu-Mactan bridge. This P76-billion project is designed to alleviate traffic congestion between mainland Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City, but it raises critical questions about the welfare of affected residents.
Families on Government Land Face Relocation
The families, who have built temporary homes on government-owned land along the bridge's alignment, will need to relocate once construction commences. Many of these individuals are fire victims from Barangays Subangdaku and Tipolo, who moved to the area approximately two years ago when it was largely vacant. Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano has stressed that consultations and relocation planning must be finalized before any civil works proceed.
According to Mayor Ouano, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has engaged with the City Government to coordinate relocation efforts. An initial meeting with family representatives has taken place, and a public hearing with affected homeowners is in preparation. Ouano is advocating for additional time to ensure proper dialogue and settlement for the families.
"We are asking for extra time so we can properly talk to the families and make sure they are settled properly. What I want is for them to be given a relocation site along with financial assistance from the National Government," Ouano stated in Cebuano. He noted that if on-site relocation is not feasible, national agencies have promised substantial financial aid, though specific amounts remain undisclosed. As of now, no relocation site has been identified.
Details of the Fourth Cebu-Mactan Bridge
The fourth Cebu-Mactan bridge will span 3.34 kilometers and feature a cable-stayed design with four lanes, connecting Barangay Paknaan in Mandaue City to Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City. The project also includes a 4.9-kilometer coastal road, or bypass road, extending from Barangay Looc toward Liloan. This alignment will run alongside the E.C. Ouano Wharf, link to Zuelig Road, and connect the Lapu-Lapu flyover to Mandaue City, creating a new route between Ibo and the area near the Cansaga Bay Bridge.
With an estimated total cost of P76.41 billion, primarily funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the DPWH is overseeing implementation. Construction is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2026 or earlier, pending completion of engineering designs and right-of-way acquisition.
Urgency and Impact of the Bridge Project
The urgency for a fourth bridge stems from the heavy daily traffic on two of Cebu's three existing bridges: the First Mactan-Mandaue Bridge (Sergio Osmeña Jr. Bridge) and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. Officials assert that this new infrastructure will reduce congestion, provide an alternative route for cargo and private vehicles, and enhance access to northern Cebu via the coastal bypass road.
Before construction can start, authorities must finalize detailed engineering designs and acquire the necessary right of way. Equally important is the completion of relocation arrangements and financial assistance for the 205 families in Paknaan. For many Metro Cebu residents, the bridge promises long-term relief from worsening traffic, but for the displaced families, the immediate priority is securing stable and permanent housing before work begins.
