Davao bypass project to help stimulate Mindanao's economy
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya lauded the Davao City Bypass
Construction Project, saying that it will help enhance the economic activity in the southern portion of the Philippines.
Kazuya branded it as a testament to Japan's commitment in enhancing connectivity in Mindanao.
'Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance
mobility, and stimulate economic activity across Mindanao,' Kazuya said in a press release issued Tuesday.
The envoy highlighted that the 2.3-kilometer tunnel stands as the longest mountain tunnel in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the country's road infrastructure.
The tunnel connection marks a pivotal point in the overall construction phase, according to Kazuya.
'This cooperation between Manila and Tokyo's is a prime example of our nation's shared
commitment to building infrastructure that meets the highest standards of quality, safety,
and sustainability,' Kazuya said.
Kazuya had visited the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and inspected the tunnel excavation site.
The Davao City Bypass is the latest in the long line of high-impact infrastructure
collaborations between Japan and the Philippines, dating back to the Philippine-Japan
Friendship Highway.
The Philippines and Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, had signed five loan agreements totaling over ¥171 billion to support key infrastructure and development projects.
This included the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (Phase III), worth ¥46.338 billion.
To recall, Japan remains the country's top Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner, with ongoing support in transport, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, and
peace-building efforts, particularly in the Mindanao region. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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