DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon assured that construction of the flagship Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge project will be completed before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. finishes his term.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, July 23, following an on-site inspection of a collapsed road section in Barangay Marahan, Marilog District, Dizon dismissed concerns that the long-awaited infrastructure project might stall.
“I am confident that the Davao-Samal bridge will be completed and passable before the end of President Marcos’ term,” Dizon said. “Initially, completion was targeted for late 2028, but after discussing with the project contractors and engineers, we are confident that it can be finished sooner.”
While DPWH XI initially proposed a ₱4.87-billion budget allocation for the mega-bridge under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for this fiscal year, only ₱314 million was ultimately approved in the final General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Despite the significant reduction, regional public works officials confirmed they have already submitted requests for supplemental funding from the national government to maintain construction momentum.
Dizon reassured local stakeholders that the executive branch remains firmly committed to delivering the cross-gulf span as promised.
“I am assuring the people of Davao and Samal that we will finish this project before the end of the President’s term,” Dizon stressed. “That is the personal commitment of the President to the people of Davao and Samal.”
