DPWH RECEIVES NEW HIGHWAY MASTER PLAN FROM JICA

By: Philippine Resources December 01, 2021

Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has received from the JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency latest masterplan for the development of High Standard Highway (HSH) in the Philippines.

This is in support of the country’s effort to invest in high-quality infrastructure for improved national connectivity and accessibility.

DPWH Acting Secretary Roger "Oging" Mercado, in his opening speech delivered by Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, thanked the Government of Japan thru Emabassy of Japan to the Philippines Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and JICA Philippines Representative Eigo Azukizawa for the staunch support it has extended for the completion of the HSH Network Development Master Plan - Phase 2.

The turnover ceremony of the masterplan at the DPWH Central held November 29, 2021 was participated by Undersecretary for Information Management, Planning and PPP Services Maria Catalina E. Cabral; Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain; Undersecretary for Regional Operations in Luzon Roberto R. Bernardo; Undersecretary for Regional Operations in NCR, Region IV-B and the Visayas Maximo L. Carvajal; Assistant Secretary Ador G. Canlas for Regional Operations in Mindanao; and Planning Service Director Constante A. Llanes Jr. Economic Minister Masahiro Nakata of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines virtually joined the turnover ceremony of the masterplan.

“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,” Secretary Mercado said in his read speech.

Mr. Ryuichi Ueno, JICA Study Team Leader, presented the findings on the masterplan HSH Network Development Phase 2 aimed at expanding and updating the 2010 HSH masterplan conducted within the 200-km radius of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

The masterplan proposes the construction of 4,400 kilometers of HSH Class 1 composed of 406 km existing, 265 km under construction, and 3,279 km new highways to be implemented along major transport corridors across the archipelago; while about 4,600-km of HSH Class-2 (regional high standard highway) will branch off from the HSH Class-1 to provide connection to sub-regional centers, important ports and airports not covered by HSH Class-1.

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

Aside from the masterplan, JICA’s development assistance also covers the pre-feasibility study of four (4) important road and bridge namely Agusan Del Norte - Butuan City Logistical Highway in Region 13; Cebu Circumferential Road in Region 7; Central Mindanao Highway, Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay Section in Region 10; and 2nd San Juanico Bridge in Region 8.

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

 

Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways


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