The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to fast-track the construction of the 4.76-kilometer Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project - a four (4)-lane bridge designed to provide a vital transportation link between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).

In an inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted that the project currently stands at more than 12 percent overall physical accomplishment with construction efforts primarily focused on the bridge’s foundation or substructure. He underscored the importance of strict quality control measures to ensure the structural integrity and long-term safety of this inter-island bridge.

A key milestone was reached during the inspection of Senior Undersecretary Sadain on April 11, 2025, when the first bi-directional static load test for an offshore pile on the IGaCoS side was conducted for this flagship infrastructure project under the Build Better More program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration.

This critical procedure, which uses a load cell installed within a reinforced cage, is essential for verifying the strength and safety of deep foundation elements.

Also present during the inspection were Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of Bridges Management Cluster-Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of Roads Management Cluster 1-UPMO, Director Randy R. Del Rosario of Stakeholders Relations Service, and the DPWH SIDC Project Team headed by Project Manager Joweto V. Tulaylay, Project Manager Najar S. Imbin, Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden, and Materials Engineer Avylmar M. Manio.

Significant progress has been made in structural works with all 74 bored piles for the east land viaduct on the Samal side completed; 73 out of 110 bored piles are poured on the west land viaduct (Davao City side), along with four (4) out of 26 columns cast at 10 meters high; and 48 bored piles for the navigation bridge (Samal and Davao sides) completed.

To ensure maritime safety, four (4) registered navigational buoys have been installed offshore in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard. With pile works on the main navigation bridge now completed, construction has advanced to the pile cap stage.

Work on the bridge ramps is also underway, with 40 out of 133 bored piles poured. Additionally, preparatory activities for road widening along Daang Maharlika have commenced, including the relocation of electric poles, fencing installation, and clearing of existing structures and obstructions.

Land acquisition is moving steadily, with 83% completion and only few remaining properties under processing.

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

“In line with President Marcos’ directive to accelerate critical infrastructure, DPWH is pushing forward with the SIDC to ensure timely and transparent delivery, while staying within budget,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

Funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from China and under contract with the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the P20.84-billion design and build of SIDC is targeted for completion by 2028.

Once completed, it is expected to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and boost tourism in the Davao Region— serving as a hallmark of progress under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is accelerating the construction of the Bucana Bridge Project, a 1.34-kilometer, four (4)-lane, six (6)-span structure expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Davao City.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan that the project, also known as the Davao River Bridge Project, is now nearly 80% complete.

Implemented by the Unified Project Management Office – Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC), the P3.126-billion bridge project is designed to accommodate around 35,000 vehicles daily once operational.

On April 11, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain inspected the project alongside UPMO-BMC Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, UPMO Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, and Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario.

Funded by an Official Development Assistance (ODA) grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Bucana Bridge is part of the Davao City Coastal Road network.

This new route is expected to divert traffic from congested urban roads and provide an efficient east-west connection across the city.

Now gearing its preparations to the full connection of the entire superstructure of its 480.20 meters extradosed bridge, the installation of 10 stay cables at Pier 2 which will essentially support the bridge deck was recently completed while concrete pouring of segmental box girders, and stressing of cables in other piers are progressing.

These milestones have been achieved just 16 months since the project began in November 2023.

“The recent developments of the project demonstrate the unparalleled hard work and commitment of DPWH Bucana project team through the supervision DPWH UPMO Acting Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden and the contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to ensure swift and timely completion of the project before the end of this year 2025,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

Nonetheless, the DPWH official reminded the construction team of the importance of maintaining high standards throughout the remaining phases of construction to ensure structural integrity.

The Bucana Bridge is a flagship project under the Build Better More program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. It aims to boost infrastructure development across the country while improving the quality of life through safe, resilient, and efficient public works.

“Expected to be fully operational by November 2025, the bridge will enhance connectivity across Davao City’s coastal areas. It is poised to become a vital infrastructure landmark in Mindanao, driving regional economic growth, improving agricultural logistics, and supporting tourism and access to essential services”, Senior Undersecretary Sadain added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has entered a significant stage in the construction of the 2.3-kilometer twin-tube tunnel—soon to be the longest road mountain tunnel in the Philippines—serving as a key feature of the 45.5 kilometer, four-lane Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP).

This flagship infrastructure is being undertaken in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More program, which aims to modernize the country’s transport network and support inclusive development, under the broader vision of Bagong Pilipinas - a new and better Philippines.

According to DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, the DCBCP has recently completed a major milestone, as the north and south portal ends of the northbound tunnel were finally connected.

Located at the challenging mountainous terrain, DCBCP will offer motorists a safer and more efficient alternative route, effectively decongesting traffic within Davao City and enhancing regional connectivity.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Undersecretary Sadain noted that the construction breakthrough of the northbound tunnel, along with the ongoing excavation works for the remaining 202 meters of the southbound tunnel—which is now 91 percent completed—marks significant progress in this strategic infrastructure project.

Financed through a combination of a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and local government funds, the DCBCP spans from Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City. Once completed, it is expected to drive economic growth, improve logistics, and connect communities - key goals under Bagong Pilipinas.

On April 11, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain led an inspection of the road mountain tunnel under Contract Package (CP) I-1, covering 10.7 kilometers and now 58.7 percent completed by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture. He was joined by UPMO-Roads Management Cluster 1 Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, UPMO-Bridges Management Cluster Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, and Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario.

The team also evaluated the progress of CP II-1, which includes several bridges being constructed by the CavDeal/WECI/Coastland Joint Venture, with support from UPMO Project Managers Joselito B. Reyes, Ricarte Mañalac and Emmanuel Regodon, Project Engineers Juan M. Diña Jr. and Oliver Angeles, and Engrs. Earl Nicholas F. Rada and Divina B. Bulan.

The locally funded portions of the bypass road under CP II-1 and CP II-2 are now 72.83 percent and 63.89 percent completed, respectively. CP II-1, spanning 2.54 kilometers and valued at P4.33 billion, features a 1.3-kilometer four-lane road and seven bridges, with completion targeted in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, CP II-2—a 3.52-kilometer road section worth P4.60 billion—is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026.

Other segments under CP I-2 and CP I-3 are also progressing steadily while Package II-3 will soon start its procurement activities.

Once completed, the Davao City Bypass will reduce travel time between Toril and Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes, stimulating economic activity, expanding business opportunities, and boosting tourism across Davao Region and Mindanao—concrete steps toward building a Bagong Pilipinas.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially begun the installation of the pre-stressed concrete deck girder for the inter-island bridge that will significantly improve the link between Olutanga Island and the mainland in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay Province.

In his inspection report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted the successful launch of four (4) pre-stressed concrete girders between abutment A and pier 1 of the ₱1.155 Billion Guicam Bridge Project along the Lutiman-Guicam-Mabuhay-Olutanga Road.

The bridge project across Canalizo Strait with a total length of 1.21 kilometers, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s Bagong Pilipinas goal of connecting islands and isolated areas to stimulate growth and development.

Other significant progress on the bridge's construction are the completion of all 115 bored piles, the fabrication of 33 out of 48 girders, the completion of Abutment B, and the construction of seven (7) out of the 11 piers.

This development marks a major step toward the completion of the bridge this year 2025, which will further strengthen the connectivity between Olutanga Island and the rest of Zamboanga Sibugay, improving mobility, commerce, and accessibility for residents and businesses alike, added Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

During the inspection on March 28, 2025, Senior Undersecretary Sadain was joined by DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, Project Managers Emmanuel M. Supe and Evangeline L. Carabal, and former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim.

The Guicam Bridge, which spans 540.80 meters in length and 6.70 meters in width, features a 389.60-meter portland concrete cement pavement approach road on the mainland and a 277.62-meter approach road on Olutanga Island.

Part of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project funded by the Asian Development Bank Loan No. 3631-PHI, the project under Build Better More program is designed to improve transportation, facilitate economic activities, and enhance mobility in Zamboanga Sibugay.

By connecting Olutanga Island with the rest of Mindanao, the bridge is expected to benefit the agriculture and fisheries sectors, by providing more efficient access to markets and resources.

The bridge is also viewed as a catalyst for promoting peace and security in the region by fostering better integration and cooperation between the island and mainland communities.

The number of construction activities reached 12,526 in January, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Friday.

Preliminary data released by the PSA showed that the number of constructions from approved building permits was equivalent to 3.71 million square meters of floor area with a total value of PHP48.57 billion.

"This excludes alteration and repair, other non-residential, such as facade, helipad, niche, water tank, etc., and other constructions, which include demolition, street furniture, landscaping, and signboards, since there is no reported floor area for these types of constructions," the PSA said.

PSA data showed that residential buildings reported the highest number of constructions at 7,671 or 61.2 percent of the total number of constructions during the month.

The construction value of residential buildings amounted to PHP20.94 billion.

The majority of the constructions were single-type houses with 6,863 constructions.

Non-residential constructions, meanwhile, reached 3,138 with a total value of PHP24.16 billion.

Most of the non-residential constructions were commercial buildings.

"Addition, which refers to any new construction that increases the height or area of an existing building, alteration, and repair of existing structures, and other constructions contributed 3.7 percent, 7.8 percent, and 2.2 percent to the total number of constructions, respectively," the PSA said.

It said the average cost of construction in January 2025 was PHP12,208.10 per square meter. By Anna Leah Gonzales

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., together with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and Chief Executive Officer Jose Ma. K. Lim, led the inspection of CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange in Silang, Cavite on Friday, March 21, 2025.

To ease traffic congestion along key routes in Cavite, the 8.64-kilometer Subsection 3 of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), which includes the Governor’s Drive Interchange, is now 44 percent complete. This brings the overall progress of the 44.58-kilometer expressway to over 68 percent.

Once finished, Subsection 3, which connects to the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, will become the longest operational segment of CALAX.

According to DPWH Secretary Bonoan, the agency has finished the road right-of-way (RROW) acquisition in the Laguna Segment and is currently fast-tracking RROW for the Cavite Segment which is currently at 90.71 percent.

To date, a total of 17.4 kilometers has finished construction and are fully operational, including four (4) interchanges and one (1) toll barrier in Laguna and Cavite.

CALAX now caters an average daily traffic of 45,000 vehicles and is expected to increase to 90,000 upon realization of the remaining sections.

Others present in the inspection are Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral, DPWH Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Service Director Pelita V. Galvez, Cavite Governor Althea Tolentino, Cavite 6th District Representative Antonio A. Ferrer, General Trias Mayor Luis Jon-Jon A. Ferrer IV, and Metro Pacific Tollways South Officer-in-Charge Elnora D. Rumawak.

On April 17, 1931, EEI Corporation (EEI) was incorporated as a machinery and mills supply house for the mining industry. EEI later expanded into construction services, supply of manpower in the Philippines and overseas, and distribution of a range of industrial machinery and systems.

EEI is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, a conglomerate with interests in banking, education, financial services, property development, and renewable energy.

Known as one of the leading construction companies in the Philippines, EEI has expertise in the construction of infrastructure, buildings, and industrial and electromechanical facilities.

A planned toll road extending South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the Bicol Region is expected to reduce transport costs, improve supply chains, and create thousands of jobs, a House leader said Monday.

In a statement, House Committee on Ways and Means chair and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the Toll Regulatory Board's (TRB) impending approval of the final engineering design for the first segment of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 5 (TR5) would address long-standing transport bottlenecks in the region.

The TRB recently disclosed that the final engineering design encompasses the initial segment stretching from Lucena to Gumaca in Quezon province.

"Along with ongoing works for TR4, the Lucena-Gumaca segment will bring much-needed relief to commuters and truckers alike, and will reduce the cost of bringing goods to Bicol significantly," Salceda said.

He added that the project would help alleviate the region's reliance on costly and unreliable transport links.

"The lack of strong land transport links to Calabarzon effectively makes Bicol an island, which makes us vulnerable to stress on food and supply of other essential goods during emergencies. It also makes our supply chains with Manila very expensive to maintain," Salceda said.

The lawmaker said the toll road would strengthen links to the Bicol Ecozone in Libon, Albay, an economic zone recently approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

He noted that the zone, combined with an agricultural superport planned by the Department of Agriculture, could create up to 8,000 new manufacturing jobs and lower food prices in Albay.

"We will definitely pursue arterials from SLEX to Libon," Salceda said, adding that unlike government-maintained highways, toll roads provide a steady source of funding for maintenance.

Naga-Legazpi segment

Salceda said he would push for the simultaneous construction of the Naga-Legazpi segment of TR5 to speed up benefits to Bicol's key cities.

"The Naga-Legazpi portion has a catchment area of around 2.2 million people, including the two largest cities in South Luzon. I think RSA (San Miguel Corp. President and CEO Ramon Ang) can pursue and operate that segment in advance so that we don't have to wait for completion of the emptier parts between Gumaca and Sipocot," he said.

Salceda also said the toll road would also improve access to Bicol International Airport, which would boost tourism and business in the region.

He vowed to collaborate with the government to explore options for accelerating the project.

"I will be asking [Transportation] Secretary Vince Dizon to explore this option, that we pursue this as soon as possible. It's good for both cities, and I think it will move the needle positively for SLEX revenues as well," he said.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday assured to continue and expedite existing transportation projects.

In a statement, Dizon said continuity is “key” to completing transport projects that will benefit the public.

“Kailangan habang pinapasa ang baton, imbes na bumabagal, kailangan pang pinapabilis. Kailangan natin magtrabaho ng mas maigi, kailangan natin pabilisin ito (With the passing of the baton, we need to expedite instead of slowing down. We need to work even harder so we can finish this quicker),” he said.

Dizon cited big-ticket projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway, privatization of regional airports, as well as the EDSA Busway and construction of the EDSA Greenways Project, among others.

“Let's roll up our sleeves and let's get to work to get things done,” he said.

Dizon further said the privatization or seeking more public-private partnerships (PPP) for critical transport infrastructure is critical to improving the country’s transportation system.

“We will really push that forward because [privatization] to my mind, and especially to the mind of our President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.], is the way to go to make transport services more efficient,” he said.

Dizon lauded former DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista’s efforts in the privatization of several transport projects, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Laguindingan Airport, and Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

“The biggest contribution of Sec. Jimmy in such as short span of time is really the massive privatization effort beginning obviously with the NAIA privatization,” he said.

In addition to these airport projects, Dizon said the operations and maintenance of the EDSA Busway and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) are both up for privatization.

In particular, he said the feasibility study for the EDSA Busway is set to be completed in a few months and its contract is expected to be awarded by the end of 2026.

On the other hand, the terms of reference for the MRT-3, for both its solicited and unsolicited proposals, are being ironed out by the DOTr, the PPP Center, and the Asian Development Bank. 

The national government has already allotted PHP3.97 billion for the construction of the Tacloban causeway project that will provide a shorter route from the city’s downtown to the airport, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Monday.

DPWH-Eastern Visayas Director Edgar Tabacon said majority of the PHP4.77-billion budget requirement has been allotted under the 2022, 2024, and 2025 national budgets.

He said PHP880 million was allocated in 2022, PHP1.92 billion in 2024, and PHP1.17 billion this year.

Some PHP2.68 billion of the allotted budget has been obligated while only PHP528.6 million have been disbursed, based on documents shared by DWPH.

The project’s civil works have an accomplishment rate of 20.42 percent as of this month using the appropriations in 2022 and 2024.

The structure will stretch from the city’s Magsaysay Boulevard to the airport complex, crossing the Cancabato Bay.

The first of its kind in Eastern Visayas, the causeway will serve as an alternate route for motorists from the city’s commercial district going to the airport, reducing distance, travel time, and vehicle operating costs.

It involves the construction of a four-lane road embankment that spans about 2.56 kms., with a bridge at the center. It will also feature separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, as well as wave deflectors on both sides.

It will complement the future new airport terminal building designed to accommodate international flights.

Aside from being an alternative highway, the causeway will also shield communities from destructive waves.

“This project aims to reduce travel time from the city proper to the airport from approximately 45 minutes to 10 minutes. The vision is not just to build infrastructure, but to build structures that will draw tourists and investments to the city,” Tabacon said in a statement. By Sarwell Meniano

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The Philippine government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has strengthened its collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to enhance flood control and water resources management efforts in flood-prone areas across the country.

A pivotal moment in this partnership occurred during the 5th Seminar on Disaster Management Operations, Urban Flood Control and Dam Development held on February 13, 2025, at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain together with MLIT Assistant Vice Minister Ishikawa Shin, Embassy of Japan Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office Senior Representative Yanagiuchi Masanari spearheaded the seminar aimed to push forward integrated flood control solutions and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) through Japan’s cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise.

Organized by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Flood Control Management Cluster (UPMO-FCMC) headed by Project Director Ramon A. Arriola III, the forum sought to to enhance cooperation among key national agencies, focusing on vulnerable areas like Metro Manila, and strengthening disaster management capabilities.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized the importance of the seminar in fostering collaboration and enhancing technical knowledge and expertise fundamental to achieving resilient and sustainable disaster risk management operations especially in the National Capital Region, including areas like Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Parañaque, and Taguig.

“Our longstanding partnership and collaboration with Japan remains instrumental and pivotal to the government’s efforts in strengthening our flood control and integrated water resources system management, which are key players in improving the urban planning in Metro Manila,” added Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

Currently, DPWH, together with the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), is expediting the completion of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Phase 1, which aims to improve drainage systems and solid waste management practices, benefiting approximately two (2)-million beneficiaries in priority flood-prone areas in Metro Manila in 2026.

The forum also explored the status of Flood Risk Information in the Philippines, demonstrating the shared efforts of relevant agencies to develop comprehensive and informed disaster risk reduction planning despite prevalent challenges, primarily the worsening impact of climate change in the country.

In response to the devastation caused by recent typhoons, including Typhoons Carina and Kristine, which severely affected parts of Luzon, the DPWH, in cooperation with JICA, is fast-tracking updates to the master plans for key river basins. These include the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and the Cagayan River Basin.

Moderated by UPMO-FCMC Project Manager Jerry Fano, the forum featured key experts including Engineer Rosalita M. Barde from MMDA; Project Manager Michael T. Alpasan and Engineer Lydia C. Aguilar from UPMO-FCMC; Director Kondo Osamu of Japan’s Department of Water Resources & Disaster Prevention Research, Infrastructure Development Institute of Japan; Assistant Director Tsuda Morimasa of Japan Water Agency; Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PAGASA) Hydrologist Ailene R. Abelardo; and MLIT Director for International Coordination of River Engineering Maruyama Kazuki.

The event was also attended by DPWH Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol of Cordillera Administrative Region; Director Randy R. Del Rosario of Stakeholders Relations Service; UPMO FCMC Project Managers and staff; and representatives from relevant national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), National Power Corporation (NPC), Climate Change Commission (CCC), Philippine Space Agency (PSA), and local government units of Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Taguig, and Quezon City.

Construction of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) broke ground on Wednesday to address cargo congestion at the Cebu Base Port and improve the turnaround of commercial vessels in the region.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) will address the current bottlenecks in the logistics chain, promote faster and more cost-efficient transport of goods, and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and industries.

“This redistribution will pave the way for a seamless flow of goods and services, ensuring our economy remains robust and dynamic,” Bautista said during the groundbreaking rites for the NCICP in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion in Cebu.

Through the new cargo port, he said users will save money through reduced vessel waiting costs, reduced transport and congestion-related costs, and increased income from land leases.

“The benefits of this project extend far beyond its physical structure. It is expected to generate a wide array of advantages for users, the local community, and the public sector,” he said.

Aside from cost savings, its benefits include job creation, more opportunities for local businesses, development of regional industries, improved competitiveness of local industries, and establishing Cebu as a regional logistics hub.

On the other hand, he said the national and local governments will benefit through increased tax revenues and environmental cost savings due to better operational efficiency.

The PHP16.93-billion cargo port project is implemented through an official development assistance (ODA) scheme from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and transaction adviser International Finance Corporation of the World Bank.

The NCICP will be completed by the second quarter of 2028 and will be built on a 25-hectare reclaimed island with a 500-meter berth length and a negative 12-meter water depth.

It will be capable of serving two 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessels at the same time using five quay cranes, and with an access road of 1,365 meters to connect the port through the 300-meter offshore bridge.

Improving PH-Korea economic ties

The project, meanwhile, is seen to significantly boost economic engagement between the Philippines and South Korea, especially with the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) already in effect, according to the Korean Embassy in Manila.

“Since Korean tourists are the Philippines top visitors, and with the entry into force of the Korea-Philippines FTA on December 31, trade and cargo volumes between the two countries are expected to increase significantly in the future,” the Korean Embassy said in a statement.

“The NCICP is expected to be an important base for economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries,” it added.

In his remarks, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said he expects the project to transform Cebu into a “key maritime hub in Southeast Asia”.

“The construction of the new port is expected to significantly improve Cebu's cargo handling capacity and logistics efficiency, attract investment, and have a positive ripple effect not only on Cebu but also on the entire Visayas region,” said Lee, adding that it serves as an “important step towards shared prosperity between the two countries.”

The groundbreaking was held just over a month after the signing of the civil works contract for the Cebu New Port Project at Malacañang Palace on Dec. 18, 2024, in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Both Bautista and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia expressed their gratitude for Korea's continued support and cooperation for the development of the Philippines, and emphasized the project’s positive impact on improving the quality of life of Filipinos.

The groundbreaking is a follow-up to last year's Philippine-Korea bilateral summit, which elevated the relationship to a strategic partnership.

Megawide and Maplecrest Group, Inc. (MGI), through their joint venture Cavite Rapid Transport, Inc., have officially signed the contract for the Cavite Bus Rapid Transit System (CBRT) with the Provincial Government of Cavite. The signing took place on January 27, 2025, at Twin Lakes Hotel, Batangas.

Megawide Chairman and CEO Edgar Saavedra highlighted the project’s transformative potential, stating, “The initial phase of CBRT will serve 10,000 daily passengers, with a target five-fold increase in three years. This is part of our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure for Filipinos.”

Enhancing Mobility in Cavite

The CBRT, structured under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer agreement, will establish a 29-kilometer bus transit system designed to accommodate up to 80,000 daily passengers at full capacity. The project, valued at P1.87 billion, will be developed in two phases:

• Phase 1: Three terminals, 27 stations, and a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Point-to-Point (P2P) system serving Kawit, Imus, General Trias, and Tanza.
• Phase 2: One terminal, 20 stations, and an extension to Trece Martires, linking with the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and Metro Manila business districts.

Construction begins in Q1 2025, with Phase 1 operations expected by Q3. Full project completion is targeted for 2028.

A Modern Public Transport Solution

Designed for speed and reliability, the BRT system will operate on dedicated lanes with scheduled trips to ensure reduced congestion and faster travel times. Strategically located stations will enhance accessibility and commuter convenience.

Strengthening Connectivity with Lancaster New City

A key portion of the CBRT will traverse the spine road of Lancaster New City, an MGI subsidiary project. MGI Chairman Guillermo Choa emphasized the project’s alignment with their advocacy to uplift community mobility.

With Megawide’s expertise in transport infrastructure, the CBRT aims to enhance Cavite’s connectivity to Metro Manila, ease congestion, and drive economic growth—aligning with Megawide’s vision of engineering a First-World Philippines through innovative solutions.