The scandal-rocked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced progress on two major bridge projects in Davao, collectively valued at P23.9 billion, which are on track for completion before the end of the Marcos administration.
The projects include the Bucana Bridge, worth P3.17 billion, and the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, with a project cost of P20.8 billion.
As of August 22, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain reported that the Bucana Bridge Project—spanning the Davao River—is 94% complete and expected to open to motorists by the last quarter of this year.
In a statement, Sadain said the entire superstructure has been completed, with only finishing touches remaining. These include the installation of traffic barriers and pedestrian railings, painting of the 19.5-meter-high pylons (with the first layer already applied), and preparations for waterproofing and asphalt overlay of the bridge deck.
Construction activities on the approach roads are ongoing, he added. These include the laying and compaction of embankment soil, subbase course preparation, drainage system installation, construction of a concrete fence, and installation of guardrails.
The Bucana Bridge—an integral component of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road—is being constructed by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office–Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC), with China Road and Bridge Corporation as the civil works contractor. The bridge will connect the eastern and western coastal areas of the city, currently separated by the Davao River.
Meanwhile, the SIDC Bridge has reached 41% completion, with major progress in constructing ramps, land viaducts, marine viaducts, and the main navigation bridge, according to the DPWH, which remains embroiled in controversy over alleged “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Northern Luzon.
In an inspection report, Sadain noted that various substructure works for the SIDC Bridge continue to gain momentum and are progressing in parallel. Ongoing activities include the construction of ramps and land viaducts on both the Davao and Samal sides, along with significant developments on the marine viaduct and the main navigation bridge.
Once completed, the 4.76-kilometer, four-lane bridge will reduce travel time between Davao City and Samal Island from 55 minutes via ferry to just 4.5 minutes—benefiting an estimated 25,000 vehicles daily and boosting tourism and trade in the region.
The project, funded through China’s Official Development Assistance and targeted for completion by 2028, forms part of the government’s “Build Better More” program to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
