The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao(DPWH-11) is seeking additional funding to ensure the uninterrupted construction of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge project.

Bridge columns have risen across the Pakiputan Strait as construction of the bridge reaches more than 61 percent completion.

“We are on our way to the Super Structure katong makita ninyo nga poste karon nalubing na nato ang columns humana ta didto nga phase dinhi nata karon sa taas,” DPWH-11 Spokesperson, Dean Ortiz, said.

DPWH-11 clarified that the project will continue despite funding concerns.

Under the National Expenditure Program, P4.87 billion was proposed for the bridge project this year. However, only P314 million was released under the final allocation in the General Appropriations Act.

Despite the funding issue, the project is set to be completed in September 2028.

DPWH-11 said it has already requested additional funding from the national government to sustain the uninterrupted construction of the bridge.

The agency warned that delays in fund releases could slow the project's progress and postpone its completion.

“We have requested for a total of P4. 86 billion for 2026 but ang na release lang this year is P314million. Since we are on track man but we are already requested for additional funds from the national government para dire-diretso among trabaho. Kung walay releases for this calendar year understandably things will slow down the schedule for completion will also be delayed,” Ortiz added.

DPWH-11 denied the social media reports claiming that work on the bridge has been stopped.

“Mingaw daw atong construction site naay certain hours of the day na walay nagatrabaho because of the heat ang schedule gyud is starts at 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” Ortiz said.