PBBM leads groundbreaking of Samal Island-Davao City Bridge

The Samal Island-Davao Bridge is inching closer to becoming reality. After starting land surveying for the project began earlier this month and getting the go-signal from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. officially led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

Accompanied by other national and local officials including Vice President Sara Duterte and DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, the PHP 23-billion bridge project is expected to spur tourism and economic progress in Davao. More importantly, the bridge will significantly cut travel time from 26 to 30 minutes by ferry to just 5 minutes once the bridge is completed.

President Marcos said he is looking forward to being the lucky one to open the bridge when it is finished. He added that the Samal Island-Davao Bridge will surely ease the convenience of travel and transport by providing a link between far-flung areas and economic centers in the region.

“Through this project, we will further improve the peace and order situation in the area as well as faster aid distribution during times of calamities. The previous administration had already been working on this project for four years before we arrived on this day. However, I am looking forward to being the lucky one to open the bridge when it is finished,” said Marcos.

Also in attendance during the groundbreaking ceremony was the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian. For him, the Samal Island-Davao City Bridge Connector Project is proof of the strong ties between China and the Philippines. He added that the bridge would address the traffic congestion in the area as well as promote sustainable development for both Samal and Davao City.

“The project will be as we believe a new passage to a better livelihood for the local people, a new landmark of the region of Davao, and a new milestone of the China-PH friendship,” shared Huang.

Giving the officials an early preview of the upcoming bridge is a diorama of the 3.89-kilometer Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC). It will be a two-way, four-lane bridge that will include ramps in Davao City, a 24-meter wide grade road, and a roundabout in the Samal Circumferential Road. The bridge will be constructed within 5 years and is set to be completed and operational by 2027.