On 29 August 2025, Embassy of Japan Second Secretary KINOSHITA Akito and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain celebrated the successful connection of the north and south portals of the second (south) tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project.
The south tunnel, one of two 2.3-kilometer mountain road tunnels built along the Davao-Bukidnon Road Intersection, is now recognized as the longest mountain tunnel in the Philippines. Its completion marks a significant milestone in the country’s road infrastructure development and represents a key engineering achievement under the Contract Package I-1, a 10.7-kilometer road-and-tunnel segment being constructed by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture. The successful tunnel connection represents a major breakthrough in the construction phase, bringing the project one step closer to completion.
The four-lane 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass Construction Project is expected to significantly reduce travel time across the region, stimulate economic activity, and enhance overall connectivity in Mindanao. Aside from the twin-tube mountain tunnels, the project also includes two cut and cover tunnels, two underpasses, six access roads, three pairs of river bridges, and two engineers’ offices for supervision and maintenance.
Japan continues to play a vital role in supporting high-impact infrastructure development across the Philippines. As the country’s largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Japanese government remains a key partner in the administration’s Build Better More (BBM) Program. The Davao City Bypass Construction Project is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and the Philippines, reflecting a shared commitment to building infrastructure that upholds the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.
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 Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain celebrated the successful connection of the north and south portals of the second (south) tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project. ){kind=link}