Davao City — Dabawenyos shared their sentiments on social media after hearing remarks from no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his inspection of the Davao Coastal Bucana Bridge on 4 December.

Marcos stated that the bridge is one of four major legacy projects the government is building in the city.

On social media, Dabawenyos aired their distaste for the President’s remarks, stating that the Bucana Bridge Project was negotiated and funded by China during the time of Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“China funded the Bucana Bridge Project as a ‘grant,’ which means gratis. It was negotiated during the time of PRRD. Thank you, Tatay Digong,” one stated.

Another resident who chose to remain anonymous burst into anger stating that the President has no right to claim the bridge as one of his legacy projects since it was not started during his term.

“It is a continuing project of the Davao Coastal Road under the Build, Build, Build Program of Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte so why would he claim it is one of his legacy projects?”

Another Dabawenyo also posted that “The Bucana Bridge was already funded, approved, and prepared years before Bongbong Marcos became president. Any attempt by the Marcos camp to parade this as an ‘achievement’ is nothing but pure credit-grabbing.”

The newly opened Bucana Bridge will connect the east and west coastal roads. It is a two-way, four-lane bridge designed to ease Davao City’s long-standing traffic congestion. It is set to open on 15 December.

On the other hand, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), spearheaded the area security operations for the arrival of President Marcos Jr, under the leadership of Acting City Director PCol. Mannan Muarip, the DCPO implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety and orderliness of the event.

Travel time down to 25 minutes

The new structure is 1.3-kilometers long and connected to the bypass roads constructed in Davao City.

With its completion, Marcos said the estimated travel time in the area will be reduced from 2 hours to 20-25 minutes.

“It’s a big relief, especially now that we’re nearing Christmas. We know what happens in traffic,” he said.

He added that the bridge will be opened to the public for use on 15 December.

Meanwhile, the connected bypass roads will be finished by December 2027, according to Marcos.

The President also expressed gratitude to the Chinese contractor behind the project.

 “Their technology is so good that it’s so fast. And they really know how to build good bridges, good infrastructure quickly and at the right cost, at the right price,” he said.

He also congratulated the Department of Public Works and Highways for working on the bridge.  

He noted that the bridge is one of the four major legacy projects the government is building in the city.

“So, we’re done. We’ve opened many sections here. And this will now be another major part of this bypass road,” he said.