By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
The dream of Davaoeños and Samaleños of a bridge connecting their two cities will now become a reality after a four-decade wait as the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge (SIDC) project officially broke ground today, October 27.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Damosa Land Properties-owned Lanang Beach Club in Lanang, Davao City at around 10:30 this morning.
It was graced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Vice President “Inday” Sara Duterte, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Al David Uy.
Marcos Jr. then led the ceremonial burying of the time capsule, which contains the project’s blueprint, a newspaper, and coins, to signal the official start of the bridge’s construction. The diorama and the perspective of the bridge were presented to the officials afterwards.
SIDC has a total length of 3.98 kilometers, which will connect the Samal Circumferential Road in Baramgay Limao, IGACOS to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City.
Its construction costs are estimated at P23.039 billion, and it will largely be funded by the concession loan granted by the Chinese government.
In his speech, the President described the project as a “testament to the strong and ever growing foundation of the bilateral relations” between Philippines and China. He also thanked the Chinese government for being a “dependable partner” in the country’s infrastructure development program.
He added that once the project is completed in 2027, it will help “develop the economic potential of Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, as well as enhance its residents’ access to employment, education, and other services.”
The Chief Executive also credited former President Rodrigo Duterte and former DPWH Secretary and incumbent Senator Mark Villar for initiating the project in 2018. He also hopes to be the “lucky one” to open the bridge once it is finished.
The project was first proposed in 1979 by then Davao del Norte Assemblyman Rodolfo del Rosario, but it has faced numerous challenges over the years, including funding, road right of way, feasibility issues, government non-prioritization, and Writs of Kalikasan.
Despite the start of SIDC construction, some sectors continue to advocate for the bridge’s realignment. These include the Lucas-Rodriguez family, owners of the affected Paradise Island and Costa Marina resorts, Dominic & Sons Realty and Development Corporation, and environmentalists.
Among the reasons given were the potential irreversible damage to the Paradise Reef in Pakiputan Strait and the government’s lack of consultation with the affected parties.
The DPWH, on the other hand, has emphasized that proper consultations were conducted and that the current alignment causes the least environmental damage, according to a study conducted by Hong Kong-based consultant Ove Arup.
(Courtesy: Robinson Niñal, Jr. / Philippine News Agency)