The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reached a major milestone in constructing the 2.3-kilometer twin-tube tunnel, set to become the longest road mountain tunnel in the Philippines.
This key infrastructure is part of the 45.5-kilometer, four-lane Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP).
The project is a flagship initiative under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” program, which aims to modernize the country’s transport network and promote inclusive development, aligned with the broader vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported that the north and south portal ends of the northbound tunnel have now been successfully connected. Located in mountainous terrain, the DCBCP promises a safer and more efficient alternative route that will ease traffic in Davao City and improve regional connectivity.
In his update to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Sadain noted that the excavation of the southbound tunnel is now 91 percent complete, with just 202 meters remaining.
The entire bypass road is funded through a combination of a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and local government funds. It stretches from Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City, to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City.
On April 11, 2025, Sadain led an inspection of the tunnel under Contract Package (CP) I-1, covering 10.7 kilometers and now 58.7 percent complete. The segment is being built by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture.
Once completed, the Davao City Bypass will cut travel time between Toril and Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes—boosting logistics, commerce, tourism, and regional development in line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
