By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte attended on Thursday, Oct. 27, the launching of a multibillion bridge project that will connect the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) and Davao City in Southern Mindanao.
In his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony, Marcos said that the completion of the bridge will aid the development of the economic potential of Davao City and IGaCoS, as well as boost the employment, education, and other access to services in the province.
“Once completed, this bridge will help us develop the economic potential of Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, as well as enhance its residents’ access to employment, education, and other services,” Marcos said.
The President also expressed gratitude and highlighted the ties between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China for being an ally in developing the country in terms of infrastructure projects.
“It is for us to express also our gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China as they were an active member and have always been a dependable partner in this infrastructure development program,” he added.
Marcos said that the ties between China and the Philippines is proof of a ‘strong and ever-growing foundation’ that will benefit the Filipinos and the economic growth of the country.
“This is a testament of the strong and ever-growing foundation of the bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries,” he continued.
Through the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the bridge can accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily and will reduce travel time between Samal and Davao City from 50 minutes via ferry to just 4.5 minutes once it is completed in 2027.
According to Marcos, the bridge will ensure the ‘convenience of travel and transport,’ and will provide opportunities for Filipinos and ‘smoother mobility of people and of goods’ particularly with the efficiency of aid distribution during calamities.
“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,” Marcos said.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines, His Excellency Huang Xilian, Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, and Samal City Mayor Al David Uy were also present in the said event.
