ORTIZ
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government will temporarily close the Bucana Bridge, part of the Davao City Coastal Road, on Feb. 16 for the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration, an event city officials say underscores the strong ties between Davao City and China.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the Committees on Tourism and Beautification, and Trade, Commerce, and Industry, said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabaw media forum on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 3, that the City Council has approved the road closures for the event.
Ortiz, in an invitation to the media practitioners and the people of Davao, said the main venue will be the Bucana Bridge, a symbolic location that reflects the longstanding partnership between Davao City and China.
The councilor noted that the bridge represents one of the major infrastructure projects completed here under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. The bridge is part of the 17.33-kilometer coastal road from Bago Aplaya to Jerome St. in Agdao.
A partial road closure will be in place from Feb. 14 to 16, 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a lane open for rehearsals and preparations. The bridge will be fully closed on Feb. 16 from 2 to 9 p.m. during the event, followed by partial closure from Feb. 16 to 17 for the exit of performers and equipment.
Ortiz said in her privilege speech at the City Council that the idea of celebrating the new year at the bridge was proposed and reaffirmed during a meeting with Chinese Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen. She added that the Chinese Embassy will decide if they will invite the ambassador.
The councilor encouraged the people of Davao to take part in the Chinese New Year festivities, calling it a meaningful and symbolic event for both Davao City and China. She said this is the first time such an event will be held at the Bucana Bridge.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office head Willenito Tormis echoed Ortiz. He said the past Chinese New Year events were held at Rizal Park. He added that this year’s celebration will feature performances from Davao-based Chinese schools and the launch of a Chinatown coffee table book.
The P3.126-billion Bucana Bridge was funded by a Chinese government grant and built with the China Road and Bridge Corp. It opened on Dec.19, 2025, and improved traffic and connectivity here.