Davao City, April 28, 2025
In a historic moment for infrastructure development in Mindanao, national and international leaders gathered today in Barangay Waan, Davao City, to celebrate the breakthrough of the northbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project. This engineering milestone marks a turning point not only for the city but for the region’s long-held aspirations of connectivity, progress, and inclusion.
Stretching 2.24 kilometers, the northbound tunnel reached full excavation on March 14, 2025 — a crucial step in completing the bypass that is set to halve travel time between Digos City and Panabo City.
The celebration was attended by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Nakano Hiromasa, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takashi Baba. They were joined by DPWH Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista and members of the local project team.
“This is not just a construction site. It’s a milestone in motion,” said Ambassador Endo, reflecting on the enduring cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.
Funded through a loan agreement signed with JICA during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, the project only saw actual ground work and major implementation begin under President Rodrigo Duterte. As the first Philippine president from Mindanao, Duterte pushed to fast-track infrastructure development in the island, turning long-standing plans into reality. This bypass now stands as one of the major legacies of his administration — a physical symbol of his commitment to uplift Mindanao.
Package I-1 of the ₱13.23-billion project covers 10.7 kilometers of four-lane roadworks, including two mountain tunnels, bridges, underpasses, overpasses, and other supporting structures linking Mintal and Mandug Road intersections. The advanced tunnel boring methods used in the project were among the first in the Philippines, with Japanese technology and expertise transferred to Filipino engineers and workers.
Minister Nakano praised the technical collaboration, saying it demonstrated how shared knowledge could drive meaningful change. “This is not only a milestone of steel and stone but also of skill and friendship,” he said.
For Secretary Magno of MinDA, the project goes beyond infrastructure: “This bypass is a critical part of Building a Better Mindanao — a future of stronger connectivity, greater prosperity, and finally, the fulfillment of the dreams we have long held.”
“Landmark projects such as this continue to give us, the people of Mindanao, hope that we are closer to fulfilling our dreams — of becoming, not just a land of promise, but a land of fulfillment,” he added.
Currently, the southbound tunnel is 91.28% complete, with only 196 meters remaining. Once fully operational, the bypass will ease traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and open up new opportunities for trade, tourism, agriculture, and industry across the region.
DPWH Secretary Bonoan stressed the broader national significance: “This project is a crucial step in unlocking Mindanao’s full economic potential. It’s not just about shortening travel time; it’s about building a foundation for inclusive growth.”
As the program closed, Secretary Magno offered heartfelt thanks: “We thank JICA, the Government of Japan, Secretary Bonoan and the DPWH, President Marcos Jr., and everyone involved. But most importantly, we recognize that this project, which began construction under President Duterte’s watch, is a shining example of what committed leadership can deliver.”
Indeed, as Davao’s hills are tunneled and bridged, and once-remote areas become accessible, the Davao City Bypass represents more than civil works — it is a testament to the power of long-term vision, international cooperation, and a regional leader’s dedication to his homeland.