Local leaders across Quezon and the Bicol Region are expressing renewed optimism following a site inspection of the Maharlika Highway by Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon. The inspection, which covered key segments between Tagkawayan, Quezon, and Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, marked the beginning of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
The goal is to move away from temporary “band-aid” fixes and implement long-term engineering solutions for road damage and uneven pavements that have plagued the route for years.
Key Infrastructure Upgrades
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that existing repair works are suspended while a more robust, fully planned overhaul is finalized. This plan includes several major features:
- Viaduct Construction: A 2.5-kilometer viaduct will be built along flood-prone areas in Quezon to prevent motorists from being stranded during heavy rains.
- Bridge Rehabilitation: Structurally unsound bridges, such as the Mauca Bridge in Lupi, Camarines Sur, will be addressed.
- Andaya Highway Priority: Alongside Maharlika, the Andaya Highway is prioritized for full rehabilitation to ensure safe passage across the region.
Boosting Bicol’s Economy and Tourism
Regional leaders emphasize that these road improvements are not just about convenience but are vital for economic survival. Better roads are expected to:
- Enhance Tourism: Improved connectivity makes travel smoother and safer, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local souvenir shops.
- Attract Investment: Reliable transportation networks encourage businesses to expand into Bicolandia and Calabarzon.
- Improve Service Delivery: Better roads facilitate faster delivery of relief goods and government services to remote areas.
A Shift Toward Professional Accountability
Historically, local officials have criticized “fragmented planning” and “reblocking” that led to poor road conditions and misused public funds. Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo noted that past actions often provided only temporary solutions that were never truly finished.
Secretary Dizon, however, stressed that this marks the first major, fully planned overhaul of the network. With the support of Japanese consultants and a projected timeline of 1.5 to 2 years, the DPWH aims to deliver professional, industry-standard results that reflect modern Philippine construction practices.
“It is not just being repaired; it is being thoroughly improved.” — Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor.
Local Leadership Unity
Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) Chair and Albay Governor Noel Rosal has called for local leaders and congressmen to unite. By collaborating, they aim to ensure the national government continues to prioritize Bicol’s transportation needs, including both highway and PNR (Philippine National Railways) services.
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