No obstacles to Davao-Samal bridge construction — official

DAVAO CITY — Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno announced on Monday that the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project is proceeding without any reported obstacles.

Mr. Magno assured the public that there has been no directive from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or their office to halt the project in Mindanao and that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has confirmed its continuance.

“I don’t foresee any obstacles and there have been none reported in the construction of the Davao-Samal Bridge,” he said in Filipino.

The project is slated for completion in 2027 as per DPWH’s schedule. “We know that in all projects, there is a target. If there are no disturbances and no obstacles, it should continue smoothly,” Mr. Magno added.

In July, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan clarified that the SIDC project was not stopped but acknowledged legal issues requiring resolution. The P23.04-billion, four-lane, toll-free bridge is funded by China’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Once completed, the 3.98-km bridge across Pakiputan Strait will connect Barangay Limao’s Samal Circumferential Road in Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) to Davao City, situated between R. Castillo and J.P. Laurel Avenue junction.

Mr. Magno reiterated the President’s commitment to the continuous development of Mindanao, particularly in infrastructure projects. “One of the things that the President always reiterates is to continue development, especially in Mindanao,” he said. — Maya M. Padillo