The construction of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, a flagship infrastructure project of the national government, has reached the 40% completion mark, according to a recent progress report by Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
This milestone reflects the government’s commitment under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration to delivering inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure that enhances regional connectivity and promotes economic growth under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative.
With its wide-reaching impact, the project enjoys strong support from the Regional Development Council of the Davao Region, the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, and the local governments of Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal.
During a site inspection on July 18, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain reaffirmed the DPWH’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental stewardship in constructing the bridge.
Among those present during the inspection were UPMO Project Directors Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, Benjamin A. Bautista, and Soledad R. Florencio; former Project Director Virgilio C. Castillo; Project Managers Shirley Castro and Lydia Barsolaso from the Office of the Senior Undersecretary; the DPWH UPMO Bridges Management Cluster SIDC Project Team led by Project Managers Joweto V. Tulaylay and Najar S. Imbin, Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, and Materials Engineer Avylmar M. Manio; Engr. Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang; and other UPMO project personnel.
The SIDC Bridge is designed as a four-lane, toll-free extradosed bridge spanning 4.76 kilometers, directly linking the northeastern part of Davao City to the northwestern section of Samal Island. It connects the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika Junction in Davao City to the Samal Circumferential Road, with landing points located in Barangay Vicente Hizon Sr., Davao City, and Barangay Limao, Samal Island.
Once operational, the SIDC Bridge is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily, significantly improving mobility between Davao City and Samal Island. Travel time across the Davao Gulf will be reduced from 55 minutes by ferry to just 4.5 minutes, greatly easing dependence on ferry services for residents, commuters, and tourists.
According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain, the bridge incorporates marine and land viaducts, approach roads, ramps, and a main bridge span designed to support both road and maritime transport.
The main bridge, an extradosed span measuring 275 meters, will feature a 47-meter vertical navigation clearance, ensuring safe passage for maritime vessels. It will also include two pylons rising 73 meters above mean sea level, the maximum allowable height set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) due to the bridge’s proximity to Francisco Bangoy International Airport.
Other structural components of the SIDC Bridge include 477.5 meters western marine viaduct, 570 meters land viaduct, 1,320.33 meters interchange ramp, and 806.91 meters approach road on the Davao City side; and 637.5 meters eastern marine viaduct, 395 meters land viaduct, and 280 meters approach road on the Samal Island side.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized that environmental safeguards have been central to the bridge’s construction, particularly in protecting the marine ecosystems of the Pakiputan Strait. A comprehensive environmental assessment guided the project’s alignment and design to minimize impacts on marine biodiversity and water flow.
“To maintain water quality during the construction of bridge columns and foundations, silt curtains and sediment control measures have been deployed. Construction practices follow environmental best practices, including the immediate removal of debris or concrete waste from marine areas”, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
The bridge’s design also allows for unimpeded longshore currents and ensures the free circulation of seawater, helping maintain the ecological balance of the strait.
DPWH is working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), whose teams conduct diving assessments to monitor seagrass beds, shallow waters, marine protected areas, and deep-water zones affected by construction activities.
More than just a physical link, the SIDC Bridge represents a long-term investment in regional development, mobility, and sustainability—connecting communities, creating opportunities, and supporting the government’s vision for inclusive growth under Bagong Pilipinas.
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