MANILA, Philippines — Construction of the P23.5 billion China-funded bridge project that would connect Samal Island and Davao City continues at a fast pace and is expected to open before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Sunday.
In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said that the bored piling work for the land viaduct structure of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project, which began in May 2024, is progressing at a commendable pace.
All 74 bored piles required for the Samal viaduct structure had been completed while 48 of the 104 required bored piles have also been finished on the Davao City side.
Meanwhile, the project’s detailed engineering design is 97.9% complete.
The project is funded through Official Development Assistance under a Government Concessional Loan from China. It has an estimated total cost of P23.52 billion.
The bridge is one of the 12 mega projects listed in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s’ Build, Better More infrastructure program, which he mentioned in his 2023 state of the nation address.
The bridge will cross Pakiputan Strait to connect mainland Mindanao via Davao City and Samal, Davao del Norte, reducing travel time from 50 minutes via ferry to just 4.5 minutes.
Construction was suspended early last year due to right of way issues.
“We are pleased to see commendable progress achieved so far. Despite the numerous logistical and technical challenges we face particularly due to the depth of the seabed, we remain on track to deliver this iconic bridge project by 2028. Our team continues to push forward, ensuring that the vision for this scenic and transformative infrastructure becomes a reality,” Sadain said.
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