BY KIRSON L. CASTAÑOS/DSSC Intern
THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region said the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project remains on track despite funding concerns,
During the July 1 Habi at Kape forum, DPWH XI spokesperson Dean I. Ortiz said the Samal Bridge had reached 61.33% actual accomplishment as of June 20, 2026, slightly ahead of its scheduled progress of 61.26%, with a positive slippage of 0.065%.
Ortiz said construction is now focused on the superstructure, as girders and columns are already in place.
He clarified that reports claiming there are no workers at the site are false, explaining that work schedules are adjusted due to the heat, with regular operations from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, some sections operate 24/7.
He said the agency requested P4.86 billion for the bridge project in 2026, but only P314 million has been released so far.
While the bridge’s completion remains on schedule for September 2028, delays in additional funding could slow construction and move the target date to September 2030.
Meanwhile, Ortiz said recent earthquakes did not cause major damage to bridges in the region, except for minor issues at Bolton Bridge 1 and Bucana Bridge, particularly to expansion joints, which have already been repaired.
He added that DPWH follows engineering standards designed to prepare infrastructure for future natural disasters.
On the Bailey bridge in Barangay Callawa, Ortiz said the substructure is already complete, and the panels have been installed. The DPWH XI made sure the temporary bridge is strong and stable, with reopening to the public targeted before the end of July.
Ortiz also clarified that the Davao-Samal Bridge is the only bridge alignment currently planned, dismissing talk of another flyover project from Waterfront Insular Hotel.
