Samar: Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan is optimistic that the damaged sections of Maharlika Highway in Samar province will be fixed in two years with the commitment of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon. Tan said that based on a discussion with Dizon, she is confident the road rehabilitation will receive attention from the national government through 2026 and 2027 funding.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tan expressed that the secretary has promised to address the issue of the Maharlika Highway in Samar by the end of 2027. Efforts to secure funding for the road repairs have been ongoing since 2019, due to the deteriorating conditions. Although previous allocations have been received, they were deemed insufficient for comprehensive rehabilitation.
Tan highlighted that the potholes along the highway have negatively impacted the local tourism industry and economy. With approximately 52 percent of national roads in Eastern Visayas located in Samar province, the combined funds from congressional districts and local government units fall short of covering the total rehabilitation costs. The governor emphasized the need for complete rehabilitation and road widening, noting that 33 percent of the 205-kilometer highway remains only two lanes wide.
On Monday, Dizon, alongside key DPWH and local government officials, conducted an inspection of the major highway from Calbayog City to the San Juanico Bridge, which connects Samar to Leyte Island. Dizon affirmed that rehabilitating the Maharlika Highway is a top priority for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, as it serves millions of Filipinos daily.
Dizon stated that the goal is to complete the unfinished road rehabilitation projects nationwide efficiently and sustainably. Beyond potholes, he identified the deteriorating condition of steel bridges along the main highway as a critical issue. The DPWH plans to engage top contractors instead of smaller ones to renovate this vital economic infrastructure.
Dizon expressed intentions to meet with contractors soon, who have shown interest in participating in major projects, with the Maharlika Highway being the highest priority under the President's directives. The highway's rehabilitation is crucial as it serves as a major connection from Luzon to Mindanao.
