By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Davao City’s prime location as a center of commerce and culture in Mindanao underscores the need for additional infrastructure that would help sustain the momentum of the metropolis’ progress as one of the country’s top urban centers.
Such was the case with the Davao River-Bucana Bridge, which is one of the administration’s major projects under the Build Better More Program, with the aim of bolstering the country’s infrastructure development.
Together with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inspection of the newly completed bridge on Thursday.
In a media interview, the President hailed the efforts of DPWH and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), who ensured the completion of the bridge that would link the eastern and western coastal areas of Davao City.
“Natulungan naman tayo ng ating mga Chinese na contractor dahil ang ganda ng technology nila kaya napakabilis. At marunong talaga silang magpatayo ng magandang tulay, magandang infrastructure na mabilis at nasa tamang gastos, nasa tamang presyo.”
He likewise noted the timeliness of the bridge’s completion in time for the expected influx of travelers this Yuletide season, benefitting those who plan on visiting Davao City.
The 1.3-kilometer, four-lane bridge is part of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road, aiding in decongesting heavy traffic in Southern Mindanao’s bustling economic hub.
Once opened to the public on December 15, the bridge can ferry 35,000 vehicles across the Davao River daily—also reducing travel time for motorists from 2 hours down to 25 minutes.
Construction of the Bucana Bridge began in 2023, sustained with funds from China’s P3.1 billion Official Development Assistance (ODA).
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