JICA turns over new highway masterplan to DPWH

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has completed the latest masterplan for the development of high standard highways in the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.

The updated masterplan, which was turned over by JICA to the DPWH on Monday, will support the country’s effort to invest in high-quality infrastructure for improved national connectivity and accessibility.

“We are grateful for JICA’s technical capacity and expertise in world class infrastructure for it is crucial not just in decongesting highly urbanized areas, but also in achieving the 2040 National Development Plan of making the Philippines a prosperous country by investing in high quality infrastructure,” DPWH Acting Secretary Roger Mercado said.

JICA said the High Standard Highway Network Development Master Plan Phase 2 is aimed at expanding and updating the 2010 masterplan conducted within the 200-kilometer radius of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

The new masterplan proposes the construction of 4,400 kilometers Class 1 high standard highways.

These are composed of 406 kms existing, 265 kms under construction, and 3,279 kms of new highways to be implemented along major transport corridors across the country.

In addition, about 4,600 kms of Class 2 or regional high standard highways will branch off from the Class 1 high standard highways to provide connection to subregional centers, important ports, and airports not covered by the Class 1 network.

DPWH said the projects were categorized into long-term, medium-term and short-term projects based on its implementation importance.

Aside from the masterplan, the agency said JICA’s development assistance also covers the pre-feasibility study of four important roads and a bridge, namely Agusan Del Norte-Butuan City Logistical Highway in Region 13, Cebu Circumferential Road in Region 7, Central Mindanao Highway Cagayan de OroMalaybalay Section in Region 10, and second San Juanico Bridge in Region 8.

“With the completion of the masterplan and feasibility studies, the Philippines is one step closer to building a faster, safer, resilient, and environmentally friendly road transport network, which support national goals of rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth,” the DPWH said.