THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has identified the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway as one of its top infrastructure priorities for 2026, according to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

Maharlika Highway, also known as Asian Highway 26 (AH26), is the longest highway in the Philippines, stretching over 3,500 kilometers from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte down to Zamboanga City in Mindanao. It serves as the country’s primary north–south road backbone, connecting major regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

In Luzon, the highway links key provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Quezon. It continues through Bicol provinces including Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay. In the Visayas and Mindanao, Maharlika Highway connects ports and urban centers that are critical for trade, agriculture, tourism, and daily commuting.

Because of its role in moving goods, public transport, and emergency services, Maharlika Highway has long been considered a vital economic artery. However, heavy traffic, aging road sections, and recurring damage from floods and typhoons have prompted calls for large-scale rehabilitation.

Dizon said the DPWH is preparing for a “massive rehabilitation” of the highway, with road repairs expected to start within the first quarter of 2026. He also disclosed that the department is currently drafting designs for the rehabilitation of C5 Road, another major traffic corridor in Metro Manila.

Despite a reduced budget for the coming year, Dizon stressed that the agency remains committed to improving road conditions nationwide.

“Papatunayan natin na kahit mas mababa ang budget ng DPWH ngayong taon, mas marami tayong magagawa at mas marami tayong mare-repair,” he said.

The planned rehabilitation aims to improve road safety, reduce travel time, and strengthen connectivity between provinces—particularly in areas that rely heavily on Maharlika Highway for economic activity and access to basic services.