The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is accelerating construction of the 4.76-kilometer Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, a vital four-lane inter-island link that will connect Davao City to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
In an inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain confirmed that the project has now surpassed 12% overall physical completion. Current efforts are focused on constructing the bridge’s substructure, with strict quality control protocols in place to ensure long-term durability and safety.
A significant milestone was reached during an April 11, 2025, inspection, when the first bi-directional static load test on an offshore pile at the IGaCoS side was successfully conducted. This essential test—using a load cell within a reinforced cage—confirms the strength and reliability of deep foundation elements.
Present during the inspection were key officials, including Project Directors Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes and Benjamin A. Bautista from the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, and the SIDC Project Team led by Project Managers Joweto V. Tulaylay and Najar S. Imbin, Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, and Materials Engineer Avylmar M. Manio.
Significant structural progress includes:
- Samal side: All 74 bored piles for the east land viaduct are completed.
- Davao City side: 73 of 110 bored piles completed; 4 of 26 columns cast at 10 meters high.
- Navigation bridge: 48 bored piles completed on both sides.
- Bridge ramps: 40 of 133 bored piles poured.
The installation of four navigational buoys offshore, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, ensures maritime safety in the construction zone. With pile work completed on the main navigation bridge, work has now moved to the pile cap phase.
Preparatory works are also progressing on land, including road widening along Daang Maharlika, relocation of utility poles, fencing, and site clearing. Land acquisition stands at 83% completion, with the remaining properties under final processing.
Once completed, the SIDC will feature a four-lane extradosed bridge with a 530-meter main span, viaducts on both ends (570 meters on the Davao side and 395 meters on the Samal side), and marine viaducts measuring 350 meters (west) and 510 meters (east). The bridge will connect to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City and a 24-meter-wide at-grade road with a roundabout in Barangay Limao, IGaCoS.
“In line with President Marcos’ directive to fast-track critical infrastructure, DPWH is committed to the timely, transparent, and efficient delivery of the SIDC project,” said Undersecretary Sadain.
Funded through a P20.84-billion Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China, and constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the SIDC is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Once operational, the bridge is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and boost tourism across the Davao Region—embodying the goals of the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision.
