1 day Ago By Rojean Grace G. Patumbon
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project has achieved more than 12 percent physical accomplishment and is expected to be completed in 2028. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said in an inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M.
Bonoan that the construction efforts for the 4.76-kilometer SIDC are focused on its foundation and substructure. He stressed that the office is implementing strict control measures for the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.
“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,” he said on April 11, 2025. DPWH said the first bi-directional static load test for the offshore pile on the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) was conducted. The procedure using a load cell installed within a reinforced cafe is essential for verifying the strength and safety of the deep foundation.
Significant progress was made in the structural aspect of the bridge with all 74 board piles for the east lands viaduct on the Igacos side completed, while 73 out of the 110 board piles were poured on the Davao City side, with four out of the 26 columns cast at 10 meters high, and four bored piles for the navigation bridge for both sides are completed. The ramps of the bridge are underway with 40 out of the 133 bored piles having been poured. The department said they are doing preparatory activities for the road widening at Daang Maharlika as well as relocation of poles, installation of fencing, and clearing of structures and obstructions.
To ensure marine safety, about four registered navigational buoys were installed offshore in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). DPWH also reported that land acquisition is steadily moving, with about 83 percent completion and the remaining properties are undergoing processing. The SIDC, once completed, 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 on the west side and 510 meters on the east side, and ramps connecting to the R.
Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City and a 24-meter-wide at-grade road with a roundabout in Barangay Limao in Igacos. “Once completed, it 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,” DPWH said in its statement. The project was funded through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China and is under the contract of the China Road and Bridge Corporation with P20.
84-billion design and build. RGP.
