Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japanese Embassy conducted an inspection of the 2.3-kilometer mountain tunnel in the Davao City Bypass Construction Project on Monday, Jan. 27.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the tunnel, a key feature of the 10.7-kilometer Contract Package I-1 funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is set to become the longest tunnel in the Philippines once completed.
Designed with twin tubes for northbound and southbound traffic, the tunnel will provide a safer and faster route through the mountainous terrain, reducing travel time between Toril and Panabo City from one hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes.
Sadain reported that excavation progress has exceeded 95 percent for the northbound tunnel and 85 percent for the southbound tunnel, with a breakthrough expected by the second quarter of 2025.
The Davao City Bypass Construction Project, a flagship initiative under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s “Build, Better, More” program, is set to alleviate traffic congestion, boost economic productivity, and enhance trade, tourism, and business in Mindanao.
Beyond improving connectivity, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs and support the development of economic hubs, further strengthening Davao City’s position as a key regional growth center.
Sadain highlighted the government’s commitment to completing the project within the president’s term, underscoring its role in advancing sustainable and inclusive development across the region.