The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed the contract for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP) with the joint venture of JFE Engineering Corporation and First Balfour (JFE-FB JV). After a series of approvals by multiple signatories over the past weeks, DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan formally signed the contract on March 19. The project is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
(Clockwise from left) JFE-FB JV Project Director Masato Otsubo, DPWH Engineer IV Lou Don Gurtner Cantos, DPWH Engineer II Wael Elie Alihuddin, DPWH Director for Bridges Management Cluster Rodrigo Delos Reyes, First Balfour EVP and Managing Director for Construction Operations Rey Villar, and JFE-FB JV Deputy Project Director Danilo Escarlan during a contract signing last 3 March 2025
MMPBSIP aims to strengthen the earthquake resilience of both the Lambingan Bridge in Sta. Ana, Manila and the Guadalupe Bridge along EDSA. The works at Lambingan Bridge will include the demolition of the existing concrete bridge and the construction of a new, simple span stiffened Lohse arch-type steel bridge.
Aerial photo of Lambingan Bridge (top) and 3D perspective of the project (bottom)
At Guadalupe Bridge, the concrete outer spans will be replaced with steel box girders, while new piers and retrofitted abutments will improve structural stability. Temporary steel detour bridges will be installed during the demolition and construction phases to minimize disruption and maintain traffic flow along EDSA Guadalupe.
Aerial photo of Guadalupe Bridge (top) and 3D perspective of the project (bottom)
Currently led by First Balfour Deputy Project Director Danilo B. Escarlan, this seismic improvement initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure’s resilience against natural disasters, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of Metro Manila’s key transport routes.
