Tacloban city: After decades of phased construction, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is optimistic the Burauen-Albuera Road, a vital mountain highway traversing central Leyte, will be completed soon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH Leyte 4th District Engineering Office shared in a project brief that PHP72.3 million has been allocated this year to pave an additional 0.148 kilometers of road. Once completed, it will be passable to all types of vehicles even during the wet season.

Glenda Qui±ones, information officer of the DPWH Leyte 4th District, stated that the project aims to establish continuous, all-weather access between previously unconnected sections of the route. 'The existing road condition limits mobility, agricultural transport and access to essential services for nearby communities. The project is proposed to improve connectivity, safety and overall accessibility within the area,' Qui±ones mentioned in a phone interview.

The agency has yet to conduct bidding for the 2026 allocation, which also includes the installation of slope protection structures. Civil works are concentrated in the upland village of Barangay San Pedro in Albuera.

From 2015 to 2025, the DPWH concreted 7.076 kilometers of road on the Albuera side, funded by PHP3.07 billion from district and regional offices. The Burauen side has been completed for several years.

The Burauen-Albuera Road is a scenic mountain route connecting the towns of Albuera and Burauen in Leyte. The highway traverses a tri-border area near Ormoc City, cutting through rugged mountainous terrain locally known as Panan-Awan.

Albuera is situated near the cities of Baybay and Ormoc in western Leyte, while Burauen lies about an hour's drive from Tacloban City, the regional capital.