DAVAO CITY — The multi-billion Samal Island - Davao City Connector (SIDC) project connecting is still a go contrary to reports that it has been suspended.

In a released statement, Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno said he called up Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Emil Sadain to verify if the project was indeed suspended, as claimed by National Economic and Development Authority 11 director Ma. Lourdes Lim in a report.

“There is no truth to such and that the project is one of the priority projects of the Marcos administration in the Davao Region thus it will be supported all the way by the national government,” Magno clarified.

He also bared that he called up DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan who also informed him that the said project will push through as planned.

“Sec. Bonoan also told me that the completion of the Davao City Coastal Road from Times Beach going to Bucana will also push through,” Magno said.

He also cautioned officials from unnecessarily giving unverified information to the public.

“I have been pushing for the Samal Island- Davao City Connector project since it would be greatly beneficial not just to the two neighboring cities but the entire Davao Region as well,” Magno added.

Meanwhile, Lim clarified in a statement Thursday, that the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the SIDC has incurred 83.91 percent accomplishment, as of 22 November 2023.

“We would like to clarify that the formulation of the DED for the project, and not the construction of the SIDC itself, was suspended effective January 3, 2023. The delay on the DED formulation was due to the prevailing issues on Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition. Once the DED plans shall have been completed and approved by the DPWH, civil works / construction activities shall commence accordingly,” she said.

As per update from the DPWH-SIDC Project Management Office on 31 January 2024, Lim said the lifting of the suspension for the DED shall be issued in early February.

“As affirmed by Secretary Magno, the SIDC Project is among the priority infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) of the Marcos Jr. Administration, and as such, will continue to receive support from the national government. While negotiation on the right-of-way acquisition is still ongoing, the DPWH shall strongly pursue the implementation and completion of the SIDC project for the betterment of the lives of Davaoeños,” she added.