The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is expediting the P20.84-billion Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) project to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth and boost tourism in the Davao Region.
Funded through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from China and under contract with the China Road and Bridge Corp., the 4.76-kilometer Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project—a four-lane bridge designed to provide a vital transportation link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) is targeted for completion by 2028.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the project currently has more than 12-percent overall physical accomplishment, with construction efforts primarily focused on the bridge’s foundation or substructure.
He underscored the importance of strict quality control measures to ensure the structural integrity and long-term safety of this inter-island bridge.
He said significant progress has been made in structural works with all 74 bored piles for the east land viaduct on the Samal side completed; 73 out of 110 bored piles are poured on the west land viaduct (Davao City side), along with four out of 26 columns cast at 10 meters high; and 48 bored piles for the navigation bridge (Samal and Davao sides) completed.
To ensure maritime safety, four registered navigational buoys have been installed offshore in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard. With pile works on the main navigation bridge now completed, construction has advanced to the pile cap stage.
Work on the bridge ramps is also underway, with 40 out of 133 bored piles poured.
The DPWH said preparatory activities for road widening along Daang Maharlika started, including the relocation of electric poles, fencing installation and clearing of existing structures and obstructions.
Land acquisition is moving steadily, with 83 percent completion and only few remaining properties under processing, it said.
The SIDC will include a four-lane extradosed bridge with a 530-meter main span, 570-meter land viaduct on the Davao side and a 395-meter viaduct on the Samal side, marine viaducts measuring 350 meters (west) and 510 meters (east), and ramps connecting to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City and a 24-meter-wide at-grade road with a roundabout at Barangay Limao in IGaCoS once completed.
“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,” Sadain said.
The project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth and boost tourism in the Davao Region— serving as a hallmark of progress under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
