The Chinese government is a "dependable partner," of the Philippines, President Bongbong Marcos on 27 October said in a groundbreaking ceremony of the P23-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge project.

The construction of the bridge is funded through loans from China.

Vice President Sara Duterte, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and other officials attended the ceremony.

"It is for us to express our gratitude to the government of the People's Republic of China as they were an active member and have always been a dependable partner in this infrastructure development program," Marcos said in his speech.

"This is a testament to the strong and ever-growing foundation of the bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries."

Marcos pointed out the infrastructure project was developed during the term of his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos said he is looking forward to being the "lucky one" to open the bridge upon its completion in 2027.

The bridge is expected to shorten travel time from Davao City to Samal from around 30 minutes via ferry to just five minutes.