THE Panglao-Tagbilaran Offshore Bridge Connector (PTOBC) has been the central topic discussed during the courtesy visit last February 6, 2026 to Gov. Aris Aumentado of Mr. Marc Raynal, Director of Development for Infrastructures at the Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, the Environment, Mobility and Urban Planning of French government.
The discussion during Raynal’s visit deals with Bohol’s readiness for PTOBC apparently to ease vehicular traffic and help enhance connectivity. The French official visit is apparently intended to an assessment of the project.
The 1.03-kilometer four-lane bridge is funded thru the loan from the French government to the tune of Php7,150,720,812.41 as approved budget of contract (ABC). When construction starts, it’s expected to finish the bridge in 36 months.
The approaches of the said bridge have been apparently completed on both sides of Tagbilaran City and Panglao island (particularly Dauis town side).
The third proposed bridge to connect Tagbilaran City to Panglao island has been slated for bid out that requires interested bids to be received on or before December 2, 2025.
This contained in an Invitation To Bid (ITB) dated November 12, 2025 in a letter from Usec. Ador G. Canlas for operations in Visayas & Mindanao to Matiere Sas of the de la Republique Arpajon-su-Cere, France. The ITB required interested entities to complete set of documents may be acquired starting Nov. 17 upon payment of P75,000 not later than the deadline.
The two existing two bridges — Borja bridge (under repair) passing thru Dauis town proper and Causeway bridge — have been inadequate to accommodate the growing number of vehicles specially during peak hours. The heavy traffic also ensued since the Panglao-Bohol international Airport is located in Panglao town.
The governor said that he’s happy with the Raynal’s positive reaction since the latter sees no reason the project would not go on as scheduled.
The discussion of the bridge was tackled unofficially with the presence of DPWH-Bohol 1st DEO District Engineer Engr. John Paul Gascon, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Atty. John Titus Vistal, Provincial Engineering Office OIC-Head Engr. Evelyn Ayuban, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office Head Jovencia Ganub, BPEMO Forester Restituto Piollo Jr and Engr. Julius Cesar Cadao. (Ric Obedencio)
