Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado acknowledges that the proposed Cebu-Bohol Expressway is still far from being realized due to the lack of a finalized feasibility study. | Photo by Avie Villa and DYRD Bohol ang Kasaligan
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado acknowledged that the proposed Cebu-Bohol Expressway, commonly referred to as the SugBohol Bridge, is still far from being realized as it lacks a finalized feasibility study (FS).
Aumentado made this statement during the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 Reorganizational Meeting on Thursday (August 28), stressing that all major infrastructure projects must begin with a sound FS.
“Well, mao ni giingon nga layo pa gud na sa tinood kay wala pay klarong FS,” said the governor.
The SugBohol Bridge, which aims to connect Cebu and Bohol, has been widely regarded as a transformative project for regional connectivity, tourism, and trade.
However, nearly a decade after its introduction under the Build, Build, Build program of former President Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte, the project is still only on paper and has not moved forward yet.
Aumentado stated that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as the primary agency for national infrastructure, must lead the process. Without DPWH’s commitment to fund and oversee the FS, the bridge project cannot move forward.
“Kinahanglanon magsugod ta kung asa ang department agency na mo-support ani’ng programaha like DPWH kay mao mana’y ahensiya para sa infrastructure so anha ta magsugod,” the governor added, but noted that there might be another way: private sector involvement.
Aumentado suggested that if a private investor were to join under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement and fund the feasibility study, the project could proceed more quickly.
The initiative for Cebu and Bohol to strengthen their ties extends beyond the bridge project. Aumentado also emphasized the ongoing collaboration with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to establish a sisterhood agreement between the two provinces.
This sisterhood, he explained, would serve as a framework for cooperation in tourism, trade, and infrastructure development. The discussions between the two governors built upon a plan first proposed during the tenure of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
Although a signing date has not yet been established, Aumentado mentioned that the agreement was initially intended to be part of the recent Sandugo Festival in Bohol. However, it was delayed due to scheduling conflicts. Discussions are currently ongoing with the provincial boards of both Cebu and Bohol to finalize the partnership.
Baricuatro recently expressed optimism during a press briefing that the long-delayed SugBohol Bridge could still be realized. She stressed that a PPP scheme similar to CCLEX would be the most practical approach to ensure fast construction and minimize reliance on government funding.
She mentioned that the proposed 25-kilometer bridge was included in the RDC-approved list of priority infrastructure projects. Still, Baricuatro and Aumentado both recognize that without an FS, it will remain on the shelf.
Bohol’s priority projects
In terms of other priorities for RDC endorsement in 2026, Aumentado shared that Bohol is pushing for several long-delayed infrastructure projects. Among them is the proposed connector bridge linking Tagbilaran City to Dauis and Panglao Island, with an estimated cost of P6 billion.
“Mao ni ang gi-workout and approved na ni sa RDC, so need na’ni namo to follow-up and, according to DepDev, this project will be funded by the French government.,” he said.
Another big-ticket proposal is the expansion of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport to accommodate larger aircrafts, which the governor said is crucial to sustaining tourism growth and positioning Bohol as a stronger international gateway.
Aumentado further emphasized the need to tap Bohol’s abundant water resources, which remain largely undeveloped. He said addressing water scarcity is a top priority for the provincial government, given its impact on both households and industries.
For urban mobility, the governor floated the idea of a monorail system connecting Tagbilaran to Panglao as an alternative to bus rapid transit (BRT). He cited Cebu City’s experience, where BRT infrastructure only worsened traffic congestion.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa
