Excavation Nears Breakthrough for PHP46.8-Billion Davao City Bypass Southbound Tunnel

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that excavation of the southbound tunnel for the ₱46.8-billion Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP) is close to a breakthrough. 

The 2.3-kilometer southbound tunnel is now less than two meters away from completion, according to DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain. Once finished, it will form part of the country’s first long-distance twin-tube mountain road tunnel. 

Its counterpart, the northbound tunnel, was completed in March 2025.

“This milestone showcases the engineering expertise and dedication of Filipino workers who managed tunneling operations under complex geological conditions,” Sadain said during an on-site inspection on August 22, joined by other DPWH officials.

 

Increasing Connectivity in Davao

The Davao City Bypass, stretching 45.5 kilometers, will connect Barangay Sirawan in Toril to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City. Once operational, it is expected to cut travel time between Toril and Panabo from over an hour to just 49 minutes, easing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the Davao region.

The project is divided into six construction packages, with completion targeted by 2028. Packages I-1 to I-3 are financed through loan agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while Packages II-1 to II-3 are funded by the Philippine government.

Apart from travel efficiency, DPWH officials emphasized the project’s economic impact. The bypass is expected to stimulate trade, tourism, and business activity while opening new growth corridors in Mindanao. 

References

Dawang, J. (n.d.). Davao City Bypass southbound tunnel nears breakthrough. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2025/08/25/davao-city-bypass-southbound-tunnel-nears-breakthrough

Grace, R. (2025, June 4). Davao City Bypass Road Set to Open by 2028. SunStar. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/davao-city-bypass-set-to-open-by-2028

Patinio, F. (n.d.). Davao City Bypass tunnels near completion. PNA. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242795