Davao City: The government’s flagship infrastructure program hit a significant milestone on Monday with the breakthrough of the 2.3-kilometer northbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP). In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said a ceremonial breakthrough was held at the North Portal in Barangay Waan, Davao City to mark the completion of tunnel excavation works for the two-lane northbound tube.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who graced the event, said the tunnel breakthrough “is more than a civil engineering triumph.” “It represents a bold step in realizing the ‘Build Better More’ agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., laying the groundwork for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas,” he said. A breakthrough in tunnel construction occurs when the two excavating teams reach the same designated point.

The DPWH stated that the project’s twin tunnels will be the longest mountain road tunnels constructed in the Philippines. The 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass is a four-lane, high-capacity highway designed to ease congestion in Davao City and enhance regional connectivity. It is targeted for full completion and operation by 2028.

Once completed, the project will reduce travel time between Barangay Sirawan in Toril and Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, accelerating economic growth across the Davao Region and neighboring provinces. The project is being supported by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Also present during the ceremonial breakthrough were Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakano Hiromasa, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, and JICA chief representative Takashi Baba.