President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. made a shout-out to the Duterte administration for initiating the P23-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) which broke ground now that Marcos is the sitting president.
In his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3.98-kilometer bridge on Thursday, Oct. 27, Marcos made it clear that "he was only fortunate" to be the chief executive when the "important project" started materializing.
"In this juncture I would also like to explain, I am only fortunate to have been sitting as president when we broke ground for this very important project," he said.
"This project actually was formally began by then (Department of Public Works and Highways) Secretary Mark Villar under the Duterte administration and it began, formally to put together the project since 2018 so the previous administration had already been working on this project for four years before we arrive to this day," he explained.
"However, I am looking forward to also once again being the lucky one to open the bridge when it is finished," he further said.
The President also made a commitment that like the SIDC project, his administration will serve as a "sturdy bridge" linking the gaps between geographical barriers under his watch.
"Let this bridge affirm this administration’s commitment and resolve to become a sturdy and purposeful link that bridges gap between physical and geographical barriers but also the various social structures that need to be connected and fortified as one," he said.
The chief executive encouraged all stakeholders to continue to come and work together to the realization of the Philippines' and Filipinos' aspirations.
Marcos also thanked China for being a "reliable partner" to the country, especially in its infrastructure projects. China funds 90 percent of the project cost through a loan agreement amounting to P18.67 billion.
He also gave credit to "all the people, both past and present who have worked very hard to realize this grand infrastructure."
The bridge will be constructed within five years and is set to be completed and operationalized in 2027.
It will connect the Samal Circumferential Road in the Island Garden City of Samal to the R. Castillo –Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City across the Pakiputan Strait.
Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time from Davao City to Samal from around 30 minutes via ferry to only five minutes.