DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government will temporarily close the Bucana Bridge on February 16, 2026, to host the Chinese New Year celebration, an event city officials say highlights the strong relationship between Davao City and the People’s Republic of China.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the Committees on Tourism and Beautification, and Trade, Commerce, and Industry, announced during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabaw media forum that the council has approved the necessary bridge closures for the celebration.
Ortiz invited media and residents to join the festivities, noting that the Bucana Bridge is a symbolic venue representing the long-standing ties between Davao City and China.
She said the bridge is a significant infrastructure project completed under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. The structure is part of the 17.33-kilometer Davao City Coastal Road, which stretches from Bago Aplaya to Jerome Street in Agdao District.
Partial road closures will be implemented from February 14 to 16, between 1 a.m. and 2 p.m., leaving one lane open for rehearsals and preparations.
On February 16, the bridge will be fully closed from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the main celebration, followed by another partial closure from February 16 to 17 to allow performers and equipment to exit.
Ortiz explained that the idea to hold the event on the bridge was suggested and confirmed during a meeting with Chinese Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen. She added that the Chinese Embassy will determine whether to invite the ambassador.
The councilor encouraged Dabawenyos to participate, calling the event meaningful and symbolic for both the city and China. She noted that this will be the first time the Chinese New Year celebration is held on the Bucana Bridge. (By Ivy Tejano)
