Maharlika Highway rehab done by August

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MANILA, Philippines — The rehabilitation of Maharlika Highway in Samar is expected to be completed in August, reducing travel time between Tacloban City and Catbalogan City from three hours to one hour and 45 minutes, Malacañang said.

President Marcos on Friday inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the country’s longest road network.

In a post on Facebook, the President pointed out the proper and high-standard rehabilitation of the road, which he said would lower transportation costs, strengthen regional connectivity and provide the people of Eastern Visayas better access to basic services such as education and health care.

The rehabilitation will also enhance relief and recovery operations during disasters and speed up the movement of people and goods, the Presidential Communications Office said in a separate statement.

Marcos was accompanied by Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon.

The rehabilitation is estimated to cost around P16 billion, according to reports.

“For years, avoiding potholes on the Maharlika Highway has been part of the journey. That should not be happening,” Marcos said.

“From Ilocos to Zamboanga, it connects our islands as one nation. That is why we are ensuring its proper and high-quality rehabilitation,” the President said.

The Maharlika Highway – also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway – is the country’s longest and most critical transport corridor.

Spanning more than 3,300 kilometers from Laoag City in the north to Zamboanga City in the south, it links Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao through a system of roads, expressways, bridges and RORO routes.

Officials lamented that the deteriorated portions of the highway, particularly in Samar Island, have been a long-running source of frustration.