News

DPWH Reports Over 12% Progress on Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project

Published

1 week ago

April 15, 2025

Filman

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported that the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project has made significant progress, achieving over 12 percent physical accomplishment and is on track for completion by 2028.

In an inspection report submitted to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted that construction efforts for the 4.76-kilometer SIDC are currently focused on the foundation and substructure. He emphasized that strict control measures are being enforced to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.

“In line with President Marcos’ directive to accelerate critical infrastructure projects, DPWH is committed to pushing forward with the SIDC to ensure timely and transparent delivery, all while adhering to the project’s budget,” said Sadain on April 11, 2025.

Additionally, DPWH reported that the first bi-directional static load test for the offshore pile on the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) has been successfully conducted. This test, using a load cell installed within a reinforced cage, is crucial for verifying the strength and safety of the deep foundation.

Significant progress has been made in the structural development of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge, with all 74 board piles for the east lands viaduct on the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) side now completed. On the Davao City side, 73 out of 110 board piles have been poured, along with four of the 26 columns, each standing at 10 meters high. Additionally, four bored piles for the navigation bridge on both sides have been completed.

Work on the bridge ramps is also underway, with 40 out of 133 bored piles already poured. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that preparatory activities are also in progress for road widening along Daang Maharlika, including the relocation of utility poles, installation of fencing, and the clearing of structures and obstructions.

To ensure marine safety, four registered navigational buoys were installed offshore, in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Furthermore, land acquisition is progressing steadily, with about 83 percent of the required properties already acquired, while the remaining properties are in the process of finalization.

Once completed, the SIDC will feature a four-lane extradosed bridge with a 530-meter main span, a 570-meter land viaduct on the Davao side, and a 395-meter land viaduct on the Samal side. The project will also include marine viaducts measuring 350 meters on the west side and 510 meters on the east side, as well as ramps connecting to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City. Additionally, there will be a 24-meter-wide at-grade road with a roundabout in Barangay Limao, Igacos.

According to DPWH, the completed bridge is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and boost tourism in the Davao Region, serving as a symbol of progress under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.

The project is funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China and is being implemented under a contract with the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The design and build contract is valued at P20.84 billion.

News credit to: Sunstar

News

World Leaders to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome on Saturday

Published

23 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

Pope Francis, renowned for his humility and commitment to building bridges across different backgrounds and faiths, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. The pontiff passed away on Monday after a period of declining health, which included an extended hospital stay earlier this year due to double pneumonia.

A number of world leaders are expected to attend the funeral, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Prince William.

Meanwhile, a second cardinal eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope has withdrawn due to health concerns. Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, 79, will not travel to Rome for the funeral or participate in the conclave, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid confirmed to ABC News. Although still under the voting age limit of 80, his health has prevented his involvement.

Earlier this week, Cardinal Vinko Puljić also announced he would not take part in the conclave for similar health-related reasons, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.

Cardinal Cañizares Llovera is one of five voting-eligible cardinals from Spain. Of the 252 total members of the College of Cardinals, only 135 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote. With these two cardinals stepping aside, 133 are now expected to cast ballots to elect the 267th pope.

News

President Bongbong Marcos Turns Over 91 Ambulances to Northern Mindanao and BARMM

Published

23 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 91 modern ambulances to the Northern Mindanao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) yesterday, held at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the total units, 85 were distributed to various municipalities and cities across Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. The remaining six units were allocated to the BARMM.

The turnover is part of a PHP 2.2 billion government initiative to acquire 1,000 ambulances for nationwide distribution, aimed at enhancing the emergency and disaster response capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs).

These state-of-the-art Patient Transport Vehicles were provided through the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients during emergencies.

News

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Jolts Parts of Mindanao

Published

1 day ago

April 23, 2025

News Team

Several areas in Mindanao were rocked by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and prompting precautionary safety checks across affected communities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck at around 10:00 p.m., with the epicenter located near the province of Davao del Sur. The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 15 kilometers.

Strong shaking was felt in various parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, General Santos, Cotabato, and nearby provinces. In some areas, the quake lasted several seconds and caused items to fall from shelves and power outages to occur briefly.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but local disaster response units were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs reminded residents in quake-prone areas to review emergency preparedness plans and stay updated through official channels for any developments.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur each year.

Source: PHIVOLCS