In his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony held at Damosa Land Properties in Barangay Hizon Buhangin District in Davao City, Marcos thanked the People’s Republic of China for being an active member and have always been a dependable partner in this infrastructure development program.
“This is not the only project that we have depended upon, the concessional loans and even grants from the government of the People’s Republic of China, and it is clear to see the benefits that those projects bring to our people, to our economy, and to the Philippines,” Marcos said.
He said the project is a testament to the strong and ever-growing foundation of the bilateral relations and cooperation between two countries.
The construction of the bridge will be funded through a loan agreement entered between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China amounting to P23 billion.
Through the assistance and the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the bridge will soon accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time between Samal and Davao from 50 minutes to just four and a half.
“In 2027, this bridge will surely ease the convenience of travel and transport, bringing forth gainful opportunities for many of our people by providing a link between relatively far-flung areas and economic centers, thereby ensuring smoother mobility of people and of goods,” he said.
Marcos further said the project will provide easier access to tourism spots and ensure the speedy recuperation from the setbacks brought about by the pandemic.
“I also believe that, through this project, we will further improve the peace and order situation in the area, as well as ensure the faster and more efficient aid distribution during times of calamities,” he said.
He said the continued construction of short and long-span bridges across the country can boost regional transport and spur economic development and competitiveness in the countryside.
Marcos acknowledged the previous administration of President Rodrigo Duterte who began and had already been working on this project since 2018.
Set to be operationalized in 2027, the SIDC will be a two-way , four-lane bridge with a total length of 3.98 kilometers connecting the two cities.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, meanwhile, said the SIDC connector project is a significant project envisioned to support the growth potential of Davao Region.
Bonoan admits that DPWH had faced various challenges preparing for the project and could have not been possible without the support, assistance, and collaboration of the local government units concerned, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other government agencies.
Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, for his part, said the Chinese government is committed to support the programs of the Philippine government, which he considers the project a significant milestone for the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Vice President Sara Duterte was also in attendance alongside other cabinet officials.
Photo from Sammy Baug