Several large construction projects commenced in 2024 in the Phillipines, particularly in the second quarter. Probably the most notable is the Samal Island to Davao Bridge Project
GlobalData, a data analytics company based in London, UK, has forecasted that the value of the Philippines’ construction market will rise by 7% in 2025-2028. One major part of this expected growth will come from the infrastructure sector. Experts see real terms increase by 6.4%.
What We Know About Samal Island–Davao City Connector
Also known as the Davao-Samal bridge, the Samal Island–Davao City (SIDC) Connector was a proposed bridge that would connect Davao City in the mainland Mindanao to Samal Island, Davao Del Norte, which are separated by Pakiputan Strait.
The original plan to construct this bridge dates back to the early 1970s and was one of 75 big-ticket flagship projects of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration under his Build, Build, Build program.
In June 2022, the loan agreement between China through Huang Xilian, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, and the Philippines through Carlos Dominguez III, who was then the Finance Secretary. The said loan intends to finance the 3.98km project worth Php18.67B or $350M.
The groundbreaking ceremony, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., took place on October 27, 2022. The Department of Public Works and Highways started the civil works of the bridge in May 2024.
Benefits of SIDC Project
Similar to the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges in the Visayas, which will connect the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros, the Samal Island–Davao City (SIDC) Connector project links the mainland Mindanao thru Davao City to Samal Island to boost both areas’ economic activities. Notably, this will benefit the following:
- Transportation – From Davao City, you must to take two jeepney rides to Sta. Ana Wharf. From there, you must to take a 40-minute passenger ferry ride to Samal Island via Kaputian Beach. This bridge project will reduce travel time to just 4.5 minutes from 50 minutes.
- Education – Schools and the education system would be more accessible, particularly in Davao City and nearby areas.
- Business opportunities – This access road will open more opportunities for more investments to and from both points.
- Employment – Residents can have more access to employment due to easier and shorter travel time. Also, the more businesses and investments there are, the more employment opportunities for residents of both cities will be available.
Environmental Concerns With Samal Island to Davao Bridge Project
In 2022, the operator of the resorts in Samal or the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) had called the attention of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reevaluate the multi-billion plan for the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) as it poses environmental risks. This is due to the apparent wrong alignment of the landing point, which would damage the Paradise Reef on the Samal side.
This protected and conserved coral garden consists of a 300-meter contiguous reef located on the Paradise Island and Costa Marina coasts. The appeal states that not amending the plan would definitely cause irreparable and irreversible damage and destruction to the coral garden and overall marine life.
The Rodriguez family, the operator, through their representative, states that the appeal to review the said project intends to practice the following actively:
- Protecting the environment
- Ensuring food security
- Promoting healthy tourism
- Promoting sustainable development
The family even offered to donate their Caliclic Beach Resort as an alternative to the original Samal Island landing point, which is about a kilometer away. They said that is a more viable option as this coast is almost barren and can no longer support a healthy marine ecosystem.
Additionally, according to the website of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), a branch of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the project’s description states that the then-proposed bridge’s land portion will settle directly on the industrial and residential parts of Barangay Hizon in Davao City.
