TACLOBAN CITY — Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy said that the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway is crucial in improving road safety and reducing vehicular accidents in Samar, where poor road conditions have long been blamed for deadly incidents.
Uy made the statement in reaction to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) announcement of a massive repair program for the Maharlika Highway, the country’s main arterial road linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
According to the mayor, deteriorated sections of the highway have been a major factor in road accidents in the province, some of which have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
“Safety is the number one concern. We have seen several accidents where the road condition itself was a major cause,” Uy said.
His remarks came amid reports of a fatal vehicular accident in Barangay Dampigan, Sta. Rita, Samar, which occurred on the same day Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon arrived in the region. The incident left one person dead and six others injured.
Uy also pointed out that the poor condition of the highway has significantly affected travel time.
He said travel from Calbayog City to Tacloban City, which previously took around three hours, now stretches to four to five hours, causing inconvenience to motorists, commuters, and transport operators.
The mayor expressed optimism that once the road rehabilitation is completed, travel across Samar will become safer, faster, and more efficient, benefiting both residents and businesses.
During his visit, Secretary Dizon noted several ongoing road reblocking projects along the Maharlika Highway and directed concerned contractors and DPWH offices to complete the repairs before the Holy Week observance in the first week of April, when traffic volume is expected to increase.
The DPWH said the accelerated repairs aim to improve road conditions and ensure safer travel for the public, especially during peak travel periods.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
