Albay: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon assured Albayanos that unfinished infrastructure projects would be fast-tracked to completion by the end of 2027 or early 2028. Dizon emphasized that the completion of these projects would enhance comfort, accessibility, and safety, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon highlighted the President's repeated emphasis on properly fixing the Maharlika Highway. "The President has repeatedly emphasized the need to finally fix the Maharlika Highway properly. PBBM wants it completed the right way," Dizon stated during a press conference in Albay and Sorsogon. During the second leg of the Maharlika inspection, Dizon reviewed the 10-story building of the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center, a flyover in Barangay Malabog, and the widening of the Maharlika Highway in Guinobatan, Albay.
Dizon noted that the hospital building is behind schedule, as it should be over 50 percent complete but remains at only 36 percent since construction started in 2023. He assured that the PHP3.5 billion hospital building, part of Marcos' legacy hospital initiative, will be completed as planned by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
An unfinished flyover project in Barangay Malabog, Daraga, Albay, was also inspected by Dizon. The flyover is intended to alleviate traffic congestion on the Maharlika Highway for passengers from the Bicol International Airport, but it has remained unfinished since 2021. Dizon stated that engineers aim to complete the project by 2027, with the commitment to Governor Noel Rosal being to finish these projects by mid-2027. The flyover project will open for bidding in February after its contract with the Discaya-owned Alpha Omega Construction was terminated, requiring an additional fund of PHP290 million to the original PHP159 million.
Additionally, Dizon visited a widening project at Barangay Morera, Guinobatan, ordering its completion before Holy Week this year. He also traveled the Maharlika Highway in Sorsogon province before proceeding to Samar and Leyte provinces. Dizon commended Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor for the four-lane Maharlika with shoulder and drainage.
