Marcos inspects Maharlika Highway in Samar

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday led the inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pan-Philippine Highway, popularly known as the Maharlika Highway in Pinabacdao, Samar.

Once repairs are finished, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the travel time between Tacloban City and Catbalogan City is expected to be cut from three hours to one hour and 45 minutes.

The rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway in Samar is targeted to be completed by August 2026.

The PCO said during the inspection, Marcos ensured the project was of high quality to enhance interconnectivity and the travel of people and goods, as well as boost the economic opportunities in the region.

The project is also expected to reduce transportation costs, improve logistics for farmers and entrepreneurs, and provide residents better access to education, health services, and other essential services especially during times of disasters.

To recall, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earlier observed that the Maharlika Highway in Samar was covered with potholes and mud, which not only risked accidents, but also severe traffic congestion.

The Maharlika Highway is the Philippines’ primary 3,517-kilometer north-south network of roads, expressways, bridges, and ferry services that connect Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. It was proposed in 1965 and completed in the 1970s.

The DPWH aims to begin the long-term rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway — which requires P16 billion in funding — by June or July of this year. — BAP, GMA News