Rosal: fixing Andaya, Maharlika highways will boost tourism, economy

By Rhaydz Barcia

DEL GALLEGO, Camarines Sur — Regional Development Council (RDC) Chair and Albay Governor Noel E. Rosal said the full rehabilitation of the Andaya and Maharlika highways will significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the Bicol Region, describing the road network as the backbone that links Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Rosal said around 70 to 80 percent of cargo and a large volume of motorists traveling to and from the National Capital Region, Northern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao pass through the Andaya and Maharlika highways daily.

The governor made the statement after meeting Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur—the last Bicol town before the boundary of Tagkawayan, Quezon—on January 16, 2026.

Rosal noted that products from the Visayas and Mindanao that are not transported by sea often pass through the Andaya and Maharlika highways, particularly during bad weather, as these routes serve as the fastest and most practical “backdoor” for land-based cargo transport.

“Andaya and Maharlika Highway are vital links and the backbone of the country’s road network connecting Mindanao, the Visayas, and Luzon, where the national capital is located,” Rosal said. “A thorough rehabilitation of these highways will boost tourism and the economy, as the transport of perishable agricultural products and other goods bound for the NCR and Northern Luzon will become faster and more efficient.”

“As RDC chair in Bicol, we are working closely with our congressmen, local officials, government agencies, and the national government to expedite the rehabilitation of these roads, as this will spur rapid development not only in the region but throughout the country,” he added.

Rosal also stressed the need to rehabilitate the Philippine National Railways (PNR) line from Manila to Bicol and vice versa, saying it would provide the cheapest and fastest means of transporting agricultural products.

“As your RDC chair, I am calling on our congressmen and the national government to work together not only on highways but also on the rehabilitation of the PNR, airports, and seaports,” Rosal said. “Let us package the development of Bicol as a whole so it benefits all sectors and even our neighboring regions. Trillions of pesos have already been poured into Andaya and Maharlika highways, yet Bicolanos and motorists across the country continue to suffer from these bumpy roads.”

Rosal met with Dizon in Del Gallego following an invitation from the DPWH secretary. He was joined by Rep. Nelson Legacion of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur and Sipocot Mayor Tom Bocago, as they inspected about 92 kilometers of defective sections of the Andaya Highway.

Rep. Legacion earlier raised the issue of the deteriorating condition of the Andaya and Maharlika highways in a privilege speech in November 2025, citing numerous accidents and the grueling travel time from Manila to Bicol, which now takes 15 to 16 hours, compared with the usual eight-hour trip in the past.

Legacion told The Manila Times that more than 40 lawmakers supported his call for the rehabilitation of the two highways.

“The issue of Andaya Highway transcends political and geographical boundaries. We are all affected,” Legacion said. “We have been suffering for more than 30 years from the bumpy roads of Andaya and Maharlika highways.”

He described the daily ordeal of travelers navigating potholes, traffic bottlenecks, and unfinished roadworks, resulting in accidents, fatigue, and physical discomfort.

“Our duty is clear,” Legacion said. “We represent areas directly affected by the condition of Andaya and Maharlika highways, and above all, we legislators have the responsibility to advance the welfare of every Filipino.”

Legacion said his call for immediate action was backed by 46 lawmakers who signed a manifesto supporting the full rehabilitation of the highways. He thanked several colleagues, including Catanduanes Rep. Eulogio “Leo” Rodriguez, chair of the House Special Committee on Bicol Affairs and Economic Development, for helping rally support.

DPWH Secretary Dizon said the department is looking at tapping Japanese assistance for the total rehabilitation of the Andaya and Maharlika highways, with the DPWH central office set to directly oversee the project.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the DPWH to undertake a full, end-to-end rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway, putting an end to piecemeal and temporary road repairs.