Philippines Inches Closer to Historic Infrastructure Milestone with Completion of Davao Tunnel Excavation

TDT | Philippines

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The Philippines is on the brink of achieving a monumental infrastructure achievement as the excavation phase for the country's longest road tunnel nears completion. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Thursday that the Davao City Bypass Construction Project is set to achieve a key milestone by the second quarter of 2025.

According to Emil Sadain, DPWH Senior Undersecretary, excavation works for the project’s north-bound tunnel are 95 percent complete, while the south-bound segment stands at 85 percent. This ambitious engineering feat is poised to be the longest road tunnel in the Philippines, once finished.

A Twin-Tube Marvel

The Davao City Bypass Tunnel will feature a twin-tube passage slicing through the rugged terrain of Davao. This revolutionary tunnel will significantly reduce travel time between Toril, Davao City, and Panabo City from nearly two hours to just 49 minutes.

The groundbreaking infrastructure project, with a budget of Php46.8 billion (approximately $800 million), is being supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). On-site inspections by DPWH officials, along with dignitaries including Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo, underscore the importance of this venture as a "flagship" infrastructure project under the Marcos administration.

Next Steps and Long-Term Impact

With the excavation phase nearing completion, attention will now shift to tunnel finishing, roadway construction, and final safety measures. Once operational, the tunnel will not only provide safer and more efficient travel but also help in fostering the growth of economic hubs in Mindanao.

The Davao tunnel project is part of a broader effort to strengthen national connectivity under the Philippine Development Plan. By enhancing the movement of people and goods across the country, the project will contribute to the sustainable economic development of Mindanao, positioning Davao as a key growth center in the region. The island is notably larger than Switzerland and the Netherlands combined, making its development crucial for the country’s overall growth.

Flagship Infrastructure Projects Transforming the Nation

The Davao City Bypass Tunnel joins a series of other transformative infrastructure projects reshaping the transportation landscape in the Philippines:

• Metro Manila Subway: This 33-kilometer underground railway, dubbed the “Crown Jewel of Philippine Mass Transport,” will be the country’s first subway system. Upon its partial opening in 2027, it will reduce travel time from Valenzuela to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from over an hour to just 35 minutes, serving 370,000 passengers daily.

• North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR): This 147-kilometer railway will seamlessly connect Metro Manila to Clark, Pampanga, and Laguna, benefiting up to 800,000 daily passengers once fully operational. The project is co-financed by JICA and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

• Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX): The Philippines’ longest bridge, CCLEX, spans 8.9 kilometers, linking Cebu City to Mactan Island. Opened in 2022, it significantly eases traffic congestion while boosting tourism and trade in the region.

• Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge: This $3.91-billion bridge will cross Manila Bay, reducing travel time between Bataan and Cavite from five hours to just minutes, bypassing Manila’s congested roads.

• New Manila International Airport: Set to become one of Southeast Asia’s largest aviation hubs, the $14-billion airport in Bulakan will ease congestion at NAIA. With four parallel runways, it will handle up to 100 million passengers annually once completed.

As these projects continue to reshape the nation’s infrastructure, the Davao City Bypass Tunnel stands as a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to improving connectivity and driving economic growth for future generations.