DAVAO DEL Norte Governor Anthony G. del Rosario announced last week that the construction of the bridge linking the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City in mainland Mindanao will start by 2019. Samal is under the jurisdiction of Davao del Norte province. Mr. Del Rosario, also chair of the Regional Development Council, said work will start on the Davao side, covering an area along the CP Garcia Diversion Road to the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The landing point in Samal will be in Barangay Tambo. Mr. Del Rosarion said the bridge will be about three kilometers with a high ramp to allow access for large vessels plying the area. Earlier this year, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez announced that the bridge is in the initial stages of a feasibility study and detailed design under the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF) funded by the Asian Development Bank. The project is estimated to cost P17.8 billion, based on the IPIF Project Administration Manual. — Maya M. Padillo

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