Screengrab from DPWH

With the Holy Week rush just weeks away, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon is taking the driver’s seat in ensuring Maharlika Highway is ready for the expected flood of motorists.

Dizon has ordered that all obstruction removal and clearing operations along the vital highway be completed by the end of March — a firm deadline meant to prevent the usual bottlenecks before the Lenten exodus begins.

Under his directive, the Department of Public Works and Highways is also accelerating ongoing repair works to make sure no major construction zones slow down travelers heading to the provinces for pilgrimage, vacation, and family reunions.

“By Holy Week, the road should already be in better condition,” Dizon emphasized, stressing that motorists deserve smoother and safer travel during one of the busiest seasons of the year.

For road sections not yet scheduled for full rehabilitation, DPWH will roll out temporary fixes such as asphalt overlays on pothole-ridden stretches. While these are short-term measures, they are expected to significantly ease driving conditions during peak travel days.

Once the Holy Week traffic subsides, Dizon said the agency will move forward with a broader, long-term rehabilitation plan targeting the most problematic areas of Maharlika Highway.

With a clear deadline and a hands-on approach, Dizon is setting the tone for what DPWH hopes will be a less stressful and more manageable Holy Week 2026 for Filipino motorists.