Davao-Samal Bridge project more than halfway complete #DavaoSamalBridge#TribuneNews

TRIBUNE NEWS (September 6, 2026) - The long‑awaited Davao–Samal Bridge, a flagship infrastructure project in Mindanao, has reached more than 62 percent completion as of mid‑2026, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assuring that the structure will be operational before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term ends in 2028. The ₱23.52‑billion project, designed to link Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, is financed largely through a concessional loan from China worth RMB (Renminbi) 2.34 billion (about ₱17.4 billion). The loan covers 90 percent of the civil works, while the Philippine government shoulders the remaining 10 percent, including right‑of‑way acquisition, administrative costs, local works, and contingencies. The bridge was a dream project for Davao since the 1950s. It gained traction during the administration of Duterte, the first president from Davao, in late 2016. President Marcos decided to adopt the project and groundbreaking was held in October 2022. For decades, the Island Garden City of Samal has been a paradise just across the Davao Gulf, separated from the bustling mainland by a 30‑minute ferry ride. Now, with the Davao–Samal Bridge project more than halfway complete, residents and visitors alike are beginning to imagine a future where that short stretch of water is no longer a barrier but a gateway. At 4.7 kilometers long, the bridge is set to become one of the most iconic structures in southern Philippines. Once finished, it will cut travel time to just five minutes, carrying up to 25,000 vehicles daily. For Samal’s resort owners, fishermen, and small business operators, the bridge promises not only convenience but also opportunity. #DavaoSamalBridge #TribuneNews