DAVAO CITY – The opening of the first segment of the P33.772-billion Davao City Coastal Road will not only address the growing concern of traffic congestion but it also will further drive the economic growth of this city, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday, July 1.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) graces the inauguration of the first segment of the P33.772-billion Davao City Coastal Road on Saturday, July 1, with Vice President Sara Duterte. With them is Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan. (Keith Bacongco)
In his speech during the inauguration of the coastal road project’s Segment A, Marcos said that it was envisioned to make progress “more inclusive and more relevant to everyone’s daily life” through a highly interconnected road network.
He said the project, which commenced in 2017 under the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is part of the goal of the government to connect all the country’s major islands under the Philippine High Standard Highway Network Program.
Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Imee Marcos, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain Jr., and other key officials of the national government graced the opening of the 8.019-kilometer first segment from Tulip Drive to Bago Aplaya.
This segment was initially opened to pedestrians in January 2022 and has since attracted a number of visitors, many of them joggers, bicyclists, and other individuals doing fitness activities.
“And while we are opening the first (8.019-kilometer) of the more than 17-kilometer project, we expect this to already provide some relief to Mindanaoans, especially those who wish access to downtown Davao,” Marcos said.
He said the project would aid in transporting goods in and out of this city, making access to basic necessities easier for communities, businesses, and consumers.
Marcos said the coastal road project also features walkways, bicycle lanes, linear park, and public spaces that “our people need for our comfort, happiness, and well-being.”
“I can already imagine the locals and especially our tourists taking a stroll and looking at the view, feeling the breeze coming in from the coast, and taking with them the energy and peace they need to go about with their daily lives with memories of Davao City and the Philippines,” he said.
He said the road project, which protects communities against storm surges, is a “well-thought-out master plan.”
Marcos urged the DPWH to strive to finish the remaining segments on schedule “so that our people may reap and truly enjoy the maximum benefits of your hard work.”
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the first segment would have “a significant impact in addressing the traffic congestion problems inside the central business district of Davao City.”
He said that the agency would continue to implement the remaining sections until totally completed under the “Build Better More” Infrastructure Development Program which seeks to address traffic congestion problems and provide an efficient road network to reduce transport and logistical costs.
The 17.783-kilometer coastal road stretches from Junction Davao-Cotabato Road and passes through the coastal lines of Bago Aplaya, Matina Aplaya (Times Beach), Roxas Ave. section to Santa Ana Wharf and then R. Castillo.
Other portions of the project include Segment B – Times Beach to Roxas Ave., 4.435 kilometers; Segment C – Roxas Ave. to Santa Ana Wharf, 1.754 kilometers; and Segment D – Santa Ana Wharf to R. Castillo, 3.575 kilometers.
The DPWH said the project is 94.88 percent accomplished with a total budget allocation of P24.551 billion.
The project is eyed for completion by 2025.
According to the DPWH, the project “will serve as a bypass road, a coastal shore protection and breakwater that protect the city from sea wave actions, water surges, and shore erosion.”