| Work Detail |
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is making significant progress on the 4.76-kilometer Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project, which will link Davao City and Samal Island with a four (4)-lane extradosed bridge. In his latest inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted the steady progress of the project, with the overall physical accomplishment at 11.87%, and a positive slippage of 4.35%. The bridge’s foundation works are advancing as planned, and the SIDC project is on track to meet its completion deadline by September 2028. Senior Undersecretary Sadain, during his site visit on January 28, 2025 alongside Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of the Bridges Management Cluster-Unified Project Management Office (BMC-UPMO) and Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, underscored the importance of adhering to safety protocols. This is particularly crucial as piling works are underway at the Pakiputan Strait, an area with active marine traffic, while land viaduct construction is intensifying. The DPWH SIDC Project Team, led by Project Manager Joweto V. Tulaylay and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, assured that the design-and-build contractor, China Road and Bridges Corporation, and project consultant Pertconsult International are diligently following safety measures to protect workers and passing vessels. Environmental precautions are also a priority to mitigate any adverse impacts on the surrounding areas, with careful handling of equipment and materials. The project will feature two (2) lanes in each direction, as well as ramps, roundabouts, and both marine and land viaducts. The bridge will have a 275-meter main span, two (2) pylons standing 73 meters above sea level, and a 1.62-kilometer marine crossing, further cementing its role in improving regional connectivity. According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain, this pivotal infrastructure development aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More program and his vision of Bagong Pilipinas, aiming to improve connectivity nationwide by providing essential transportation links that will significantly enhance the quality of life for Filipinos. Work on the project is progressing steadily, with significant milestones reached in the bored piling activities for both the land and marine viaducts. As of now, 73 out of 110 piles for the land viaduct on the Davao City side have been completed, while all 74 piles for the Samal Island side land viaduct are finished. For the navigation bridge, 13 piles have been completed on the Davao side, and 11 piles have been completed on the Samal side. Additionally, work on the R. Castillo approach ramp has started, with 7.5% of the 133 bored piling already finished. Land acquisition for the project is also progressing well with 71% of the required land in Davao City acquired through negotiated sale, while the remaining lots are in process and expropriation efforts are underway. Notably, 88% of affected lots on the Davao side and all lots on the Samal side have been turned over to the DPWH. Additionally, 92% of the affected coconut trees and 90% of the timber trees have been acquired. The P23.52 billion project is funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China and is part of a broader national effort to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and boost regional economic development. Once completed by 2028, the bridge is expected to significantly improve access to Davao City and Samal Island, driving growth in tourism and economic activity across the region, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain. |
