DPWH access road project in Leyte is 41% complete

MANILA: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently building an access road linking the municipalities of Mahaplag and Hilongos in the Province of Leyte in an effort to improve accessibility.

The construction of a permanent bridge, the opening and concreting of a 41.7-kilometer road, the creation of slope protection structures, and drainage are all included in the P4.24 billion project's scope of work, according to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, citing a report from DPWH Region 8 Director Edgar B. Tabacon.

In accordance with the General Appropriations Act (GAA), P1.93 billion in total funds has already been made available for the multi-year project's implementation as of 2017.

According to Secretary Bonoan, "the entire project is already 40.55 percent completed and is projected to participate in bigger socio-economic interventions by helping reduce strife brought about by communist rebel groups in the area."

The road starts at Barangay San Isidro in Mahaplag along the Daang Maharlika and ends in Barangay San Roque in Hilongos, along the Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Road, serving as a shorter alternate route for motorists travelling to and from the two towns.

“Once completed, the usual travel time of four hours from Tacloban City to Maasin City, Leyte will be reduced by one hour, therefore hastening delivery of basic services in and out of the towns,” explained Secretary Bonoan.

Construction of the remaining 20.69 kilometers and other additional works for the Mahaplag-Hilongos Road Project will be funded in 2023 onwards.

Photo from Department of Public Works and Highways

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