The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will exclusively contract with large, well-established firms to repair and rehabilitate the Maharlika Highway, the country’s longest road network, to ensure quality and expedite construction. The decision follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to complete the highway’s rehabilitation within two years.
Maharlika Highway Rehabilitation Prioritized
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon stated the agency will no longer engage smaller contractors, opting instead for reputable companies for the renovation of the country’s “economic backbone.” He indicated plans to meet with potential contractors this or next week, noting their expressed interest in assisting with the president’s priorities.
The Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway, stretches 3,379.73 kilometers from Aparri in Northern Luzon to Jolo in Mindanao. It serves as the principal transport network connecting the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, comprising roads, expressways, bridges, and ferry services.
This marks the first comprehensive repair of the highway since its completion in the 1970s. Current estimates suggest approximately 70 percent of the road network requires repair.
Funding and Implementation Changes
The initial cost for the repair and rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway is estimated at P16 billion, a figure expected to increase as technical details and the scope of the project are finalized. Dizon emphasized a shift away from piecemeal project implementation.
“This is the story of Maharlika, this is the story of other projects like the flyovers, this is the story of the hanging bridges. The funds are always being distributed piecemeal. This is what President BBM is changing. If we start something, we have to finish it,” he said.
The rehabilitation will be a “massive” effort, encompassing all segments of the highway from North to South, including the McArthur Highway, Quirino Highway, and Andaya Highway in Bicol.
Problematic infrastructure projects will be assigned to new, young, and dynamic engineers. Dizon affirmed that unqualified or “fly-by-night” contractors will be barred from government projects, with only legitimate contractors allowed to participate, a move intended to reduce construction costs.
Funds for infrastructure projects will be released in a lump sum rather than in installments to prevent delays.
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