- Chinese New Year 2026 to be celebrated in China-funded Bucana Bridge
THE CITY government will temporarily close the Bucana Bridge on Feb. 16 to mark the Chinese New Year and cement Davao-China relations.
In her privilege speech on Tuesday, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz said the venue for the celebration reflects the enduring friendship between China and Davao City.
“Hosting the Chinese New Year celebration at this location is therefore not only strategic but also a gesture of gratitude from Davao City to China, showcasing our appreciation for this meaningful collaboration,” Ortiz said.
With this, the 21st City Council approved the road closure along Bucana Bridge from Tulip to Roxas Rotunda.
A partial road closure will be implemented from Feb. 14 to 16 at 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., with one lane passable to vehicles for the ingress and rehearsals of the performers.
Meanwhile, during the event proper on Feb. 16, a full road closure will take effect from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
On Feb. 16 to 17, a partial closure will again be observed with one lane passable to vehicles for the egress.
The committee chair on tourism and beautification said the idea of celebrating the Chinese New Year at the Bucana Bridge was both suggested and reaffirmed by the Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen in a Jan. 6, 2026, meeting.
The project, with a total contract cost of ₱3.126 billion, was fully funded through an official grant from the Chinese government. The partnership was carried out under a contract with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The bridge was officially opened on Dec. 19, 2025.
“Beyond its role as a key infrastructure project improving connectivity and traffic flow, the bridge stands as a symbol of the healthy partnership and enduring friendship between China and Davao City,” Ortiz said.
City Tourism Operations Office head Willenito P. Tormis said the event will showcase performances from the Davao Chinese schools and the launch of the China Town coffee table book.
“It is the first time that we will be doing it on the bridge because, for the past years, we have been doing it at Rizal Park. It’s high time also to celebrate Chinese and Davao friendship,” Tormis said.
