President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Oct. 27, led the groundbreaking of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge project.
In his speech, Marcos said the bridge could accommodate 25,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time between both cities from 50 minutes to four and a half once it is completed by 2027.
He underscored that the project could provide many economic opportunities for Davaoeños such as access to employment, education, and other social services.
“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 we ensure smoother mobility of people and of goods,” he said.
Marcos said the SIDC would also provide easier access to tourism spots, and ensure a speedy recovery from the setbacks induced by the pandemic.
He further said that the construction of the bridge would “improve” the peace order in the area, and help in "faster and more efficient" distribution of aid in times of calamities.
The President expressed his gratitude to the government of the People's Republic of China for being a “dependable partner” in the bridge project and other infrastructure programs in the country.
A Php 23.039 billion loan from the Chinese government was allocated to fund the SIDC project.
The SIDC is 3.98 kilometers long. It will connect the northeastern section of Davao City and the northwestern side of Samal Island.
