Photo: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed last month that the Philippines has acquired a large loan from China to assist in the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge. Currently, the project is in full swing.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, along with delegates from the People's Republic, has started the new multibillion-peso project. The organization also unveiled a commemorative plaque and a model of the 3.98-kilometer bridge.

The Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge is a four-lane, toll-free bridge that will make travel between the Island Garden City of Samal and Davao City possible in about five minutes. It is anticipated that, if completed, it will service 25,000 vehicles per day and reduce congestion in the two connected districts. The DPWH intends to complete the project by 2027.

The Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project aims to improve internal mobility and external connections to boost the economic and tourist growth potential of the surrounding area.

This is the first financing agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China for an infrastructure project implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO).