DAVAO CITY – The Office of the Consulate General of China here is awaiting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) decision on the date of the groundbreaking of the P19-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.
Consul General Li Lin said the DPWH will be the one to release the date for the groundbreaking that will signal the commencement of construction.
"We are optimistic to see...carry out this project with the joint effort of the Chinese side and from the Philippines side," Li said.
He said the agreement between the Chinese government and the Philippines for the project was signed last June and the contractors have been identified.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said Beijing will provide a concessional loan of approximately $350 million to the Philippine government to finance the project.
Huang said the project will connect Davao City and Samal Island across the Pakiputan Strait through a two-way, four-lane 3.86-kilometer bridge.
He added that once completed, the bridge will provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between Davao City and Samal Island, improving transportation efficiency, promoting internal mobility, and stimulating tourism potential.
Huang said during construction, thousands of jobs will be created, contributing to local economic recovery and improving people’s livelihood.