Marcos thanks China for Samal-Davao bridge project loan

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Marcos thanked China yesterday for a $350-million loan to fund the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project seen to boost tourism in this part of the country.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the project at the Lanang Beach Club Aplaya, here, Marcos said the bridge connecting mainland Davao City to the Island Garden City of Samal will cut travel time to less than five minutes.

“This is a testament to the strong and ever-growing foundation of the bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. It is a pleasure as a nation to join hands with you for the eventual success of the endeavor,” he said. Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian graced the event and so did Vice President Sara Duterte and her brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

In his speech, the President cited how China, along with former president Rodrigo Duterte and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary and now Sen. Mark Villar, have been “active” and “dependable” partners in this major infrastructure project set to be completed by 2027.“This is not the only project that we have depended upon, the concessional loans and even grants from the government of the People’s Republic of China, and it is clear to see the benefits that those projects bring to our people, to our economy, and to the Philippines,” he said.

“We credit this project to all the people both past and present who worked very hard to realize this grand infrastructure,” he added.Xilian and former finance chief Sonny Dominguez forged the Framework Agreement and Loan Agreement for the $350 million (about P23 billion) needed to build the interconnector bridge.

Lanang Beach Club Aplaya, site of yesterday’s ceremonies, will be the entry/exit point of the SIDC bridge project, which is expected to boost tourism in Mindanao’s largest resort city of Samal.

The Chief Executive expressed excitement at wanting to be the first person to cross the bridge to Samal, also known as the “Island of Festivals,” when it opens to the public in 2027.?

“Let this bridge affirm this administration’s commitment and resolve to become a sturdy and purposeful link that bridges gaps between physical and geographical barriers, but also the various social structures that need to be connected and fortified as one,” he said.

After the groundbreaking, the President also attended the distribution of government aid at the DPWH regional office in Panacan, this city.

Environmental  concerns

Although the SIDC bridge project is welcomed by most residents here, especially since Samal Island is known as a leading tourist destination in this part of the country, there are also those who oppose it, citing environmental concerns.

Certain groups point out that the proposed bridge affects the contiguous 300-meter Paradise Reef situated on the coast of the Costa Marina Beach Resort and the adjacent Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort in Barangay Caliclic, Babak District of Samal Island.