DAVAO CITY – The completion of vital big ticket infrastructure projects here may be delayed due to funding constraints, a report from the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) in Davao region said. 

The RPMC, which is a body under the Regional Development Council, issued the report following a field monitoring activity last week for the second quarter of the year. 

According to the RPMC, the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and the Samal Island–Davao City Connector Bridge have made significant progress. It added that these are critical connectivity projects aimed at enhancing regional mobility and economic growth. 

However, both projects are facing operational and funding issues.  “Funding gaps and ROW (right-of-way) delays affecting both projects pose significant risks to timely completion and may undermine their intended economic and social benefits,” RPMC said.

Package I of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, which has a budget of at least P70 billion, is  funded through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).  Package II is funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). 

Both packages have a 38 percent overall physical accomplishment as of April 2026, the RPMC said. 

Package I continues to face significant ROW constraints, particularly in critical sections, while ongoing works include the Talomo River Bridge 2 and Cut-and-Cover Tunnel 1, it added. 

“Despite substantial progress under Package II, funding constraints under the 2026 GAA have led to the suspension of works since January 2026, with payments reportedly covering accomplishments only up to 2024,” the RPMC reported. 

The bypass road will link barangay Sirawan in Toril District of this city and Panabo City, Davao del Norte. It is expected to reduce travel time between Toril and Panabo City by about 45 minutes.  The project features a 2.3-kilometer twin mountain tunnel, the first in the country. 

Meanwhile, the monitoring body disclosed that the SIDC has a 55.97 percent physical accomplishment as of March 25, surpassing its 52.96 percent target. 

Among the key milestones are the completion of all bored pile works, ongoing construction of pier columns and pile caps on both sides, and continued work on navigation bridge structures and marine viaducts.

“Despite this progress, the project faces funding constraints, and insufficient funding may lead to a work suspension by May 30, 2026, potentially extending completion to September 2030,” RPMC added. 

The highly anticipated bridge is partly funded through a loan from Chinese government which will cover 90 percent of the P23-billion price tag. 

Last week, the Department of Public Works and Highways disclosed that the completion date of the SIDC has been extended from August 2027 to September 2028 due to potential funding constraints.  According to the DPWH, it needs at least P4.6 billion this year.