THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) bared that the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project has reached an overall physical completion rate of nearly 12 percent.
According to the DPWH, the 4.76-kilometer bridge is now 11.87 percent complete, with a 4.35 percent positive slippage. Foundation work is progressing as planned, keeping the project on track for its September 2028 completion.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted the importance of strict safety protocols, especially during the piling work at the Pakiputan Strait—a critical phase in an area with active marine traffic. Construction of the land viaduct is also underway.
“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,” he said.
The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), along with project consultant Pertconsult International, assured that all necessary safety measures are in place to protect workers and passing vehicles.
The contractors underscored their commitment to minimizing environmental impact by carefully handling equipment and materials.
However, the Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM), an environmental group, has raised concerns about potential damage to coral reefs and marine wildlife.
Despite these concerns, construction is progressing, with bored piling activities for both the land and marine viaducts in full swing.
As of January 29, 2025, 73 out of 110 required bored piles for the land viaduct on the Davao City side have been completed.
On the Samal Island side, all 74 piles are finished. For the bridge navigation, 13 piles have been installed on the Davao side and 11 on the Samal side. Work has also begun on the R. Castillo approach ramp, with 7.5 percent of the 133 bored piles completed.
Regarding land acquisition, 71 percent of the required land in Davao City has been secured through negotiated sale, while the remaining lots are pending expropriation. Overall, 88 percent of affected lots in both Davao and Samal have been turned over to DPWH. Additionally, 92 percent of affected coconut trees and 90 percent of timber trees have been acquired.
Funded through a P23.52 billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China, the SIDC project aims to ease traffic congestion and spur regional economic development.
The bridge will feature two lanes in each direction, complete with ramps, roundabouts, and both marine and land viaducts. It will have a 275-meter main span, two pylons standing 73 meters above sea level, and a 1.62-kilometer marine crossing.
Groundbreaking took place on October 27, 2022, at Damosa Land Properties in Lanang, Davao City, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leading the time capsule-lowering ceremony to mark the project’s official start.
In terms of land acquisition for the SIDC, about 71 percent of the necessary land in Davao City has been acquired through negotiated sale, with the remaining lots pending expropriation. Approximately 88 percent of the affected lots in both Davao and Samal have been turned over to the department. In addition, 92 percent of the affected coconut trees and 90 percent of the timber trees have been acquired by the department.
The SIDC project is funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China, with a total cost of approximately P23.52 billion. The project is part of the national government’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and promote regional economic development.
The project will feature two lanes in each direction and include ramps, roundabouts, and both marine and land viaducts. The bridge will have a main span of 275 meters, two pylons standing 73 meters above sea level, and a 1.62 km marine crossing.
The project broke ground on October 27, 2022, at Damosa Land Properties in Lanang, Davao City. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the lowering of the time capsule, signaling the official start of the SIDC construction. RGP
