In its effort to strengthen and increase accessibility, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently undertaking the construction of an access road connecting the towns of Mahaplag and Hilongos in the Province of Leyte.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan citing a report from DPWH Region 8 Director Edgar B. Tabacon said that the P4.24-Billion project’s scope of works include the opening and concreting of a 41.7-kilometer road, construction of permanent bridge, slope protection structures, and drainage.
Programmed as a multi-year project, a total funding of P1.93-Billion has already been released for the implementation of the big-ticket project since 2017, under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“The entire project is already 40.55 percent completed and is expected to contribute in greater socio-economic interventions by helping eradicate conflict brought by communist rebel groups in the area,” said Secretary Bonoan.
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 (2) towns.
“Once completed, the usual travel time of four (4) hours from Tacloban City to Maasin City, Leyte will be reduced by one (1) hour, therefore hastening delivery of basic services in and out of the towns,” added 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.
