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The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee approved the restructuring of the ongoing Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project
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Project was endorsed to the Economic Development Council for final approval
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The P20.8 billion bridge is 90% funded through an official development assistance loan from China that was signed in 2021, but construction did not start until 2024 due to legal hurdles raised by some businesses and environmental groups
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Project was already about 61% complete as of June 2026, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways
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In July this year, DPWH Davao Region said they have sought additional funding releases from the national government to keep the project on track
The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) has approved the restructuring of the ongoing Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project.
Following the approval of the ICC, the project was endorsed on October 22 to the Economic Development Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for final approval, the Department of Finance said in a statement.
The P20.8 billion bridge project is 90% funded through an official development assistance loan from China that was signed in 2021 under the previous administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Groundbreaking was held in October 2022 with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but actual construction did not start until 2024 due to legal hurdles raised by some businesses and environmental groups.
The loan terms include an interest rate of 2% per annum, payable in 20 years, inclusive of a seven-year grace period.
As of June 2026, the project was already about 61% complete, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Davao Region office.
DPWH is the main implementor with the China Road and Bridge Corp. contracted for the construction work.
In July this year, DPWH Davao Region spokesperson Dean Ortiz said in a media forum that they have sought additional funding releases from the national government to keep the project on track.
READ: Civil works start for Samal Island-Davao City connector project
The SIDC Project will connect Davao City and Samal Island through a four-lane, toll-free bridge designed to accommodate around 25,000 vehicles daily. It aims to help improve connectivity, expand access to essential services, and support economic opportunities for the Island Garden City of Samal with benefits seen for Mindanao as a whole.
“By improving connectivity between Davao City and Samal Island, we are supporting local businesses and creating more opportunities for communities,” Finance secretary and ICC co-chair Frederick Go said.
Once completed, the SIDC Bridge will provide a direct link between R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika Junction in Davao City and the Circumferential Road in Samal Island, drastically reducing travel time from 55 minutes via ferry to just 4.5 minutes.
