The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has received an updated road master plan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that involves the construction of 9,000 km of high-standard highways (HSH) in the Philippines. The new master plan replaces the 2010 Phase 1 road master plan, and focused on the development of road infrastructure in areas within a 200 km radius of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao. The new master plan extends coverage beyond densely populated regions.
The new master plan calls for the development of 4,400 km of HSH Class 1 roads, including upgrades and modification to 406 km of existing roads, support the ongoing construction of 265 km of roads as well as support the construction of 3,279 km of new roads along major transport corridors. A total of 4,600 km of HSH Class-2 will be an offshoot of the HSH Class-1 and give access to sub-regional cities, key ports, and airports not served by the HSH Class-1.
JICA’s development assistance will also cover pre-feasibility studies of four highway projects including the Cebu Circumferential Road in Region VII, the Central Mindanao Highway, the Agusan Del Norte – Butuan City Logistical Highway in Region XIII, Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay Section in Region X and the second San Juanico Bridge in Region VIII.
