Philippines’ longest tunnel: Breakthrough hit on Davao Bypass Road

Manila: Big news from the south — a major milestone has been hit on the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP).

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the north and south ends of the north-bound tunnel have officially met in the middle.

Boom — connection complete.

The 2.3-km mountain tunnel, the first of its kind in the Philippines, is a key feature of the 45.5-km road project.

The Davao City Bypass is a 45.5-kilometer, four-lane road connecting Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City. 

Southbound: 91% complete

Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain made the announcement on April 11, 2025, noting that excavation for the southbound tunnel is also nearly done, with just 202 metres to go and 91% already completed.

This tunnel is part of Contract Package I-1 (CP I-1) – a 10.7-km stretch of road-tunnel combo built by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture.

Completion status

The Davao City Bypass is expected to be fully operational by December 2027, reducing travel time between Toril and Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes.  

It is one of major developments in the southern Philippines, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the Philippine government and international partners to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Other parts of the massive bypass project are also moving along:

CP II-1 (2.54 km, ₱4.33 billion): Includes a 1.3-km four-lane road and seven bridges — now 72.83% done, eyeing completion by Q1 2026.

CP II-2 (3.52 km, ₱4.60 billion): Clocking in at 63.89% done, with the finish line set for Q3 2026.

CP I-2 and I-3: Steady progress.

CP II-3: Gearing up for procurement.

Game-changer

Once completed, travel time between Toril and Panabo City will be slashed from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes.

The project is backed by a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan and local funding from the Davao City Government. 

Stretching from Barangay Sirawan in Toril to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo, this bypass isn’t just about roads — it’s about revving up economic growth, unlocking tourism, and connecting Mindanao like never before.

Milestones in the project’s development:​

2015
JICA signed loan agreements with the Philippine government to finance the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance logistics in the region.  

2017
Construction work commenced on the bypass road to connect Barangay Sirawan in Toril, Davao City to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City. ​ 

June 16, 2020
The Philippines and Japan signed a supplemental loan agreement to provide additional funding for the project, ensuring its continued progress. 

November 19, 2021
Tunnel boring for the 2.3-kilometer twin tunnels kick off.

Early 2024
A supplemental loan of ₱14 billion was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, bringing the total project cost to ₱70.8 billion (). 

April 11, 2024

Breakthrough of north-bound tunnel reported.