DAVAO CITY, Philippines —- In a city known for its bustling urban landscape and rapid development, the Bucana Bridge Project stands as a testament to Davao City’s continuous growth and infrastructure advancement. Contrary to recent reports suggesting financial hurdles and potential delays, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Magno assured the public that the project is well-funded and progressing as planned.
“There is no truth to reports that the Bucana Bridge Project faces financial constraints and won’t be completed in 2025,” Magno stated firmly in an interview with Newsline on Friday. “The project is funded and it is moving on schedule. Truth is, it is now 20 percent completed.”
Magno’s clarification came in response to a media report that quoted an official from the Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH-Davao), suggesting that the bridge’s opening might be postponed to 2026. This report caused a stir among local residents and stakeholders eagerly anticipating the project’s completion.
However, DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain provided reassuring news to Magno, emphasizing that the project is not only on schedule but ahead of it. “The project is, in fact, ahead of schedule, currently at 20% completion,” Sadain confirmed.
The Bucana Bridge, also known as the Davao River Bridge, is a critical infrastructure endeavor with a total contract cost of ₱3.126 billion. Funded by the Government of the Philippines and a China Aid Grant, this four-lane, six-span extradosed bridge spans 1.34 kilometers, including approach roads, and is an integral component of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road. The project’s construction, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, is slated for completion by the end of 2025, within its target construction period of 18 months.
Magno’s update highlights the seamless progress of the bridge, facilitated by continuous funding from a grant provided by China Eximbank. This funding security ensures that the construction will proceed without interruption, aligning with the strategic infrastructure goals set for the region.
The Bucana Bridge Project is more than just a construction endeavor; it symbolizes the city’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and fostering economic growth. Upon completion, the bridge is expected to significantly ease transportation woes for Davaoeños, providing a reliable route that links key areas of the city.
As Davao City continues to develop, projects like the Bucana Bridge are vital in supporting the region’s economic dynamism and improving the quality of life for its residents. The timely completion of this bridge will undoubtedly contribute to Davao’s reputation as a progressive and well-planned urban center.
For now, the city’s residents and stakeholders can rest assured that the Bucana Bridge Project is on track, with promises of timely completion and a future of smoother, more efficient transportation ahead.
