Geline Salac

DPWH aims to finish rehab of Maharlika Highway key sections by 2027

Article (news)

Andrea Taguines

ABS-CBN News

<div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz86TOfDIfqXIe&amp;cid=ABxNhxCrMoOIZPFU"></script></div><p>The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said it aims to complete the rehabilitation of a significant portion of the Maharlika Highway, the country’s longest road network, by the end of 2027.</p><p>Dizon made the announcement during a press briefing in Calbayog City, Samar, where he personally inspected the dire road conditions extending to Tacloban City in Leyte.</p><p>“Hopefully as early as the end of 2027, ‘yung malaking bahagi ng Daang Maharlika, mula Northern Luzon hanggang Mindanao, ay maaayos na natin, lalo na ‘yung mga parts na lagi na lang nasisira,” he said.</p><p>“Pati ‘yung drainage, kasi ang number 1 kaaway ng kalsada ay tubig. Kung walang drainage, sira o barado, talagang masisira ang kalye,” added Dizon.</p><p>The DPWH is still drafting a more detailed and long-term plan for the much-delayed major overhaul of the country’s main north-south highway, with the help of Japanese consultants. But Dizon assured the public that funds have already been earmarked for the project. </p><p>“Sapat ‘yung budget sa (2026), next year, plus savings na nakuha nung 2025… Hindi tayo uutang sa foreign banks,” he said.</p><div><strong>FUNDING ISSUE?</strong></div><p>Data from the DPWH Transparency Portal, analyzed by the People’s Budget Coalition, show that the agency spent P185 billion on 3,761 Maharlika Highway–related contracts nationwide from 2016 to 2025. </p><p>Of that amount, Region 8 (Samar, Leyte, and Biliran) received the highest allocation at P43 billion.</p><p>And yet, the Maharlika Highway segment in Samar is considered the most deteriorated. More than 200 kilometers of the national road runs through the province. </p><p>Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan insists the budget for road maintenance has been inadequate, citing the piecemeal release of funds that forced the province to rely on &quot;band-aid&quot; solutions.</p><p>“The last time I was in Congress, that was 2019, humingi na ho talaga ako ng funding kasi nag-start na talagang masira ‘yung kalsada. But sad to say, ‘yung maintenance funds nila maliit, sobrang liit, at binigyan lang nila kami ng konti, so ang nangyari nagtatambak lang ho talaga kami noon,” she said.</p><div><strong>BIG CONTRACTORS, HIGH-TECH MATERIALS</strong></div><p>To ensure quality work, Dizon said the project will only be bid out to big-name contractors. “Hindi na ‘yung mga maliliit na segment by segment (ang ginagawa) kasi kasama ‘yan sa mga naging problema eh. I’m talking about the biggest in the country—the likes of DMCI, EEI, and others.”</p><p>Dizon also flagged safety issues observed during his inspection. “Walang barrier, walang warning signs, ‘yung mga materyales nakalagay lang sa tabi ng kalye... I was told marami nang nadisgrasya dahil sa ongoing construction. Hindi ‘yan tama,” he said.</p><p>He also prefers using more durable materials, including asphalt that can withstand heavy vehicles and constant rainfall. “Mas mahal siya, definitely. Pero naman, kung tatagal ng 5 hanggang 8 taon, malaking bagay na ‘yun,” he said.</p><div><strong>TEMPORARY FIXES AHEAD OF HOLY WEEK</strong></div><p>Dizon ordered regional and district offices in Samar to complete all ongoing road reblocking and come up with quick fixes before the Holy Week exodus.</p><p>“Kailangan talaga magkaroon tayo ng no-obstruction policy at enforcement sa Daang Maharlika... dapat lahat ng repair tapos by end of March,” he said. The DPWH aims to implement long-term solutions after the travel rush and before the onset of the rainy season.</p>

<p>The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said it aims to complete the rehabilitation of a significant portion of the Maharlika Highway, the country’s longest road network, by the end of 2027.</p>

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said it aims to complete the rehabilitation of a significant portion of the Maharlika Highway, the country’s longest road network, by the end of 2027.