The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cities. One of these cities is Davao, located in the southern part of the country. Just a stone’s throw away from Davao City is the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), a popular tourist destination known for its pristine beaches and world-class resorts. Despite their proximity, the journey between these two locations has always been dependent on ferry services. However, this is about to change with the introduction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC).
A Dream 40 Years in the Making
The idea of a bridge connecting Davao City to Samal Island was first conceptualized in 1980. It was not until 2017, during the World Economic Forum on ASEAN hosted by Cambodia, that the project finally got off the ground. The SIDC project was announced as one of the 75 big-ticket flagship projects under the Build, Build, Build program by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Bridge to the Future
The SIDC is a two-way, four-lane bridge that will measure about 3.86 kilometers, traversing the Pakiputan Strait. It is expected to carry about 25,000 vehicles daily. The bridge’s main span measures 250 meters and has a vertical navigation clearance of up to 47 meters crossing over Pakiputan Strait. The bridge will also be supported by two pylons with a height of 73 meters.
The SIDC is envisioned as a modern bridge that will connect the Samal Circumferential Road in Barangay Limao, IGaCoS to Davao City in between R. Castillo-Daang Maharlika junction.
A Collaboration of Nations
The contract for the SIDC was signed on January 14, 2021, at a cost of $400 million (about P19.32 billion). The funding will come from the China Loan Financing Facility under the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). The design and construction of the SIDC will be handled by China Road and Bridge. Construction is expected to take about 54 months.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The SIDC is expected to greatly ease access to Samal Island for tourists. IGaCoS is often referred to as the largest resort city in the country, with numerous beaches and world-class resorts, including Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The bridge aims to reduce travel time and promote ease and access for tourists, both local and international, coming from Davao City and going to IGaCoS and vice versa.
The SIDC is more than just a bridge; it’s a symbol of progress, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. As we eagerly await its completion, we can only imagine the positive impact it will have on the local economy and the tourism industry. The Samal Island-Davao City Connector is indeed a bridge to a brighter future.