The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said two flagship infrastructure projects in Davao City have made significant progress in construction and are now on track for completion by 2028.
The P70.8-billion Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP) and the P20.8-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project are being undertaken in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program, the DPWH said.
In the construction of the 2.3-kilometer twin-tube tunnel, a key feature of the 45.5-kilometer, four-lane DCBCP, as well as the north and south portal ends of the northbound tunnel were finally connected, it said.
DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain said in a statement on Sunday the construction milestone of the northbound tunnel, along with the ongoing excavation works for the remaining 202 meters of the southbound tunnel, which is now 91 percent completed, represented significant progress in this strategic infrastructure project.
On April 11, Sadain led an inspection of the road mountain tunnel under Contract Package (CP) I-1, covering 10.7 kilometers and now 58.7 percent completed by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture.
The locally funded portions of the bypass road under CP II-1 and CP II-2 are now 72.83 percent and 63.89 percent completed, respectively, according to the DPWH. CP II-1, spanning 2.54 kilometers and valued at P4.33 billion, features a 1.3-kilometer four-lane road and seven bridges, with completion targeted in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, CP II-2—a 3.52-kilometer road section worth P4.60 billion—is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026, the DPWH said.
Other segments under CP I-2 and CP I-3 have been progressing steadily, while Package II-3 will soon start its procurement activities, said the DPWH.
Once completed, the Davao City Bypass will reduce travel time between Toril and Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, and is expected to further stimulate economic activity, expand business opportunities, and boost tourism across Davao Region and Mindanao, the DPWH said.
Meanwhile, the DPWH said it has been fast-tracking the construction of the 4.76-kilometer SIDC project—a four (4)-lane bridge designed to provide a vital transportation link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
“In line with President Marcos’ directive to accelerate critical infrastructure, DPWH is pushing forward with the SIDC to ensure timely and transparent delivery, while staying within budget,” said Sadain in a separate statement on Sunday, April 13.
The project’s overall physical accomplishment stood at more than 12 percent, with construction efforts primarily focused on the bridge’s foundation or substructure. Land acquisition has been moving steadily, with 83 percent completion and with only a few remaining properties under processing, said Sadain.
Funded through China’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan and under contract with the China Road and Bridge Corp, the P20.84-billion design and build of the SIDC has been set for completion by 2028.
Once completed, it is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and boost tourism in the Davao Region, Sadain said.
