The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced substantial progress on the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, reporting that the project has reached a significant 41% completion rate. The milestone, a key achievement under the “Build Better More” infrastructure agenda, was highlighted in a recent inspection report submitted by Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
The 4.76-kilometer, four-lane bridge project is gaining momentum through parallel construction efforts on various substructures. The latest developments include the successful completion of seven high pier columns for the land viaducts on both the Davao and Samal sides, marking a major accomplishment in the vertical construction phase. Concurrently, foundation work for the 275-meter extradosed main navigation bridge is well underway.
On the Samal side, the steel caisson cofferdam for the navigation pile cap has been lowered successfully and is being prepared for concrete sealing. Similarly, the seal concrete bottom slab on the Davao side has been installed, with preparations for the caisson’s lowering proceeding after final quality inspections.
“The SIDC Bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it’s a vital artery that will connect communities, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for countless Filipinos,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain. “The accelerated progress we are seeing is a testament to the dedication of our teams and our commitment to President Marcos Jr.’s vision of a more interconnected and prosperous Philippines. We are on track to deliver this transformative project by 2028.”
The bridge, with a project cost of ₱20.8 billion, is largely funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Once completed, the SIDC Bridge will reduce travel time between Davao City and Samal Island from 55 minutes to just 4.5 minutes and is expected to accommodate an estimated 25,000 vehicles daily.
The SIDC Bridge is one of several major infrastructure projects being advanced by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations. The department recently completed the 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao and the 541-meter Nalil–Sikkiat Bridge in Tawi-Tawi, with other projects like the Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay and two other major bridges in Tawi-Tawi nearing completion.
