The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday announced a milestone in the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), with the breakthrough of the northbound tunnel now complete. Once finished, the 2.3-kilometer twin-tube tunnel will become the country’s longest road mountain tunnel and a centerpiece of the 45.5-kilometer bypass designed to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity across the Davao Region.
DPWH senior undersecretary Emil K. Sadain led an inspection of the tunnel on 11 April 2025, underscoring its economic importance. “This project will not only shorten travel time but also spur logistics efficiency and regional growth,” said Sadain. He noted that the northbound tunnel is now fully connected, while excavation of the remaining 202 meters of the southbound tunnel is 91 percent complete.
Funded through a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan and local government support, the bypass stretches from Barangay Sirawan in Toril to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City. Once completed, it is expected to cut travel time between these points from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes.
Construction progress continues across various segments. Contract Package I-1, which includes the tunnel and spans 10.7 kilometers, is 58.7 percent complete under the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture. Locally funded road sections CP II-1 and CP II-2 are also advancing, at 72.83 percent and 63.89 percent completion, respectively.
The DPWH emphasized that the DCBCP is a flagship project under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda, aiming to drive inclusive growth, expand business opportunities, and boost tourism across Mindanao.
