A China-funded bridge that connects the Philippines' third largest city Davao and a tourist island will help boost tourism and economic growth in the country's southern region, said President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Thursday at the project's groundbreaking ceremony.
The ceremony kicked off the construction of the 3.81-km two-way, four-lane Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge that will ease the access for tourists to the Island Garden City of Samal. Once completed, this bridge will help us develop the economic potential of Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, as well as enhance local residents' access to employment, education, and other services, Marcos said.
Famous for pristine beaches, snorkeling and diving sites, the Island Garden City of Samal is one of top tourist spots and a tropical getaway for tourists. Without the bridge, the island can be reached only by ferry from Davao City. Marcos thanked the Chinese government for being a "dependable partner in this infrastructure development program."
