Manila: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the agency's field personnel to complete the ongoing road reblocking works along the Maharlika Highway ahead of the upcoming Holy Week. Speaking to reporters, Dizon emphasized the importance of ensuring that both lanes of the main highway are open in all affected sections and that road obstructions are cleared in time for the annual exodus of motorists.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon stated, "The Maharlika needs to be completed before Holy Week - from Quezon, Bicol, Samar to Leyte." He visited the region to ensure that the regional director would deliver on this directive and that the ongoing projects are finished quickly, given that Holy Week is only three weeks away. Dizon also instructed engineers not to break or remove old, damaged concrete pavement if contractors cannot repair the sections before Holy Week, scheduled from March 29 to April 5.

With quick temporary repairs, Dizon noted that motorists and commuters would no longer have to endure the nearly seven-hour travel time along sections of the highway between Samar and Leyte. Records from the DPWH regional office indicate that PHP332.54 million worth of reblocking works, funded under the 2024 regular budget, remain ongoing. The projects cover portions of the country's main highway in the towns of Motiong, Jiabong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, and Sta. Rita.

The inspection on March 9 marks Dizon's second visit to Samar province as DPWH chief. On February 1 and 2, he inspected the stretch from Northern Samar to the San Juanico Bridge, which links the islands of Samar and Leyte. Dizon noted improvements in road conditions compared to his previous visit, saying the trip from Northern Samar to Tacloban City now takes about five hours, down from seven hours last month.

The DPWH plans to undertake a full rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway this year, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track improvements along the country's main highway network. The rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway in Eastern Visayas is a priority project of the national government, as the road forms part of the transport corridor linking Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.