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| The road concreting project between Mahaplag and Hilongos in Leyte is nearly halfway complete, according to DPWH Region 8. Photo: DPWH-8 |
The ongoing road concreting project covering 41.705 kilometers of road connecting Mahaplag and Hilongos towns in Leyte is nearly halfway complete, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 here.
“This P4.24 billion Mahaplag-Hilongos road, already at 40.55 percent completion rate, is one of the big-ticket projects here in Eastern Visayas that has a huge impact in peace and socioeconomic development of the upland communities in the 5th district of Leyte,” Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon said.
Once completed, the project will improve accessibility and connect geographically isolated villages in the towns of Mahaplag, Hindang, and Hilongos to greater socioeconomic interventions, providing a significant boost in eradicating conflict caused by communist rebel groups.
“Besides improved access, locals will also benefit with livelihood schemes, services such as electric and water utilities, peace and security that will be made possible with this road project,” RD Tabacon added.
This road begins in Mahaplag town along the Daang Maharlika. It ends in Hilongos town along the Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Road, providing a shorter alternate route for motorists traveling from Mahaplag to Hilongos and vice versa.
Travel time from Tacloban City to Maasin City will be reduced to about an hour using this new route, reducing a four-hour journey to about three hours.
The remaining 20.69 kilometers of the Mahaplag-Hilongos road project and other additional works will be funded in 2023 and beyond. (Source: DPWH-8)