By Sam Ramos
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Caraga Region has proposed a PHP4-billion allocation for 2025 to continue the rehabilitation of the Daang Maharlika Road, a key infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth in Mindanao.
Outgoing DPWH-13 Regional Director Pol delos Santos said on Friday that the project, with a total estimated cost of PHP29.4 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2028. So far, PHP6.8 billion has been allocated and implemented between 2023 and 2024, with much of the work focused on the Agusan del Sur portion of the road. The Daang Maharlika Road serves as a vital link between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, spanning Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and the Davao Region. Delos Santos emphasized that the project is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s efforts to improve regional connectivity and foster economic development.
In addition to the Daang Maharlika Road, delos Santos highlighted other major infrastructure projects in the Caraga Region. One of these is the Agusan del Norte—Bukidnon Road, a PHP3.1-billion project that is set to open in December 2024. The 35.93-kilometer road, which features two 150-meter bridges and a 260-meter slope protection structure, will reduce travel time between Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, by three to four hours.
Another significant project is the Cabadbaran—Putting Bato—Lanuza Road, which is currently 43.5 percent complete. This PHP8.5-billion project aims to improve access between Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. The Butuan City—Agusan del Norte Logistical Highway, a PHP26.2-million project, has reached 15.4 percent completion as of November. Meanwhile, the Agusan del Norte—Agusan del Sur South Lateral Road, with a total cost of PHP16.5 billion, is 8.45 percent complete.
Delos Santos, who will assume the position of DPWH assistant secretary in December, stressed the importance of these infrastructure projects in enhancing the region’s connectivity and economic opportunities. He noted that the administration’s commitment to these projects underscores the government’s dedication to advancing infrastructure development in Mindanao.