- Samal Bridge 2028 completion goal remains unchanged
THE REGIONAL Development Council XI said that construction activities are ramped up for the P23-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector to meet the Department of Public Works and Highways’ completion target for 2028.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, RDC XI chair, confirmed that Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan verified the 2028 timeline for the 3.98-kilometer mega-infrastructure.
“Mismong si secretary confirmed mahuman gyud ang tulay within 2028,” Jubahib told reporters in an ambush interview at Park Inn by Radisson here.
DPWH Secretary Vince Hizon also announced earlier that the bridge would be completed before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. steps down from office.
Addressing reports about additional funding requests by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to finish the project, Jubahib noted that government equity may be required.
However, he emphasized that national planning authorities already have a target budget allocated for the project.
With the bridge expected to increase accessibility significantly, the provincial government and Samal City officials are implementing proactive measures to prevent overtourism and population strain.
For instance, Jubahib outlined key infrastructure initiatives currently underway following consultations with Samal Mayor Toto Reyes.
He revealed that part of their initial plans include road network expansion, including widening Samal’s island-wide circumferential road from two lanes to four lanes, and incorporating dedicated sidewalks and drainage systems.
“Davao del Norte District Representative JM Lagdameo has committed to prioritizing funding requests for the road expansion,” he said.
For power stability, which he described as the “most vulnerable,” he said these concerns have been largely addressed following the delivery of 50 megawatts of electricity via a submarine cable installed by the Davao Light and Power Company.
“So, I see that completing the bridge won’t be a problem because even now, interested parties are already scouting people who want to live or establish themselves on the island, especially investors who want to invest,” he added.
In preparation for the mass influx of tourists and migrants, the agency is studying a centralized sewage and wastewater treatment facility to handle human waste. The facility will mitigate environmental risks and prevent marine pollution seen in other island tourist destinations.
As of July 2026, the 4.76-kilometer, four-lane SIDC bridge had reached about 62% physical accomplishment. The DPWH requested about P4.86 billion for 2026 for SIDC but had received only P314 million.
