As committed by PBBM
TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Representative Stephen James Tan(1st district) has welcomed the decision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway this year, saying the move is a long-overdue response to the worsening travel conditions and economic bottlenecks in the province.
Tan said the deteriorated state of the highway has for years affected mobility, road safety, and the efficient transport of goods and services, particularly for farmers, workers, and small businesses that rely on the road as the main transport artery in Samar.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Secretary Vince Dizon for finally hearing the long-standing clamor of my district regarding the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway,” Tan said in a statement on Wednesday, January 13.
“This vital roadway is not just a passage for vehicles—it is a lifeline for our people, our farmers, our workers, and our local economy,” he added.
The lawmaker said the decision to fast-track the repairs shows that the Marcos administration “truly listens and acts for the welfare of the people,” noting that the poor condition of the highway has long been a major concern raised by local officials and motorists.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier announced that the agency would accelerate the repair of the Maharlika Highway, particularly in Samar and Northern Samar, where several sections have deteriorated due to years of delayed maintenance.
The rehabilitation plan follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s pledge during his visit to Calbayog City on July 4, 2024, to restore the highway, which was originally constructed during the administration of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The Maharlika Highway spans 395.52 kilometers across Eastern Visayas, running from Allen, Northern Samar, to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. Of this length, about 205.75 kilometers pass through Samar. The highway forms part of the national road network stretching over 3,279 kilometers, linking Samar Island to Leyte and the rest of the country and serving as a crucial corridor for trade and mobility.
Tan expressed optimism that the proposed P28.73-billion rehabilitation project would significantly ease daily travel difficulties, enhance road safety, and improve the flow of goods and services across the region.
He also noted that key infrastructure along the highway, including the iconic San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar and Leyte, is currently undergoing repair, further underscoring the government’s efforts to improve vital transport links in Eastern Visayas.
ROEL T. AMAZONA
