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The High Standard Highway (HSH) Network Development Master Plan Phase 2 has been turned over by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to the Department of Public Works and Highways
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The masterplan proposes construction of about 9,000 kilometers of HSH and aims to expand and update the 2010 HSH masterplan
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JICA’s development assistance also covers pre-feasibility study of the Agusan Del Norte-Butuan City Logistical Highway, Cebu Circumferential Road, Central Mindanao Highway, Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay Section, and a second San Juanico Bridge
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has turned over to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the latest masterplan for the development of high standard highways (HSH) in the Philippines.
The HSH Network Development Master Plan Phase 2 proposes construction of about 9,000 kilometers of HSH and aims to expand and update the 2010 HSH masterplan.
DPWH in a statement said the masterplan is in support of the country’s effort to invest in high-quality infrastructure for improved national connectivity and accessibility.
“We are grateful for JICA’s technical capacity and expertise in world-class infrastructure for it is crucial not just in decongesting highly urbanized areas but also in achieving the 2040 National Development Plan of making the Philippines a prosperous country by investing in high quality infrastructure,” Public Works acting Secretary Roger Mercado said at the turnover ceremony.
The HSH masterplan Phase 2 aims to expand and update the Phase 1 or 2010 masterplan, which only covered areas within a 200-km radius from Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Tagum-Davao-General Santos Corridor, encompassing only 3,460 kilometers of HSH.
Phase 2 eyes construction of 4,400 km of HSH Class 1—composed of 406 km existing, 265 km under construction, and 3,279 km new highways—to be implemented along major transport corridors across the archipelago. About 4,600km of HSH Class-2 (regional high standard highway) are also proposed to branch off from the HSH Class-1 to provide connection to sub-regional centers and ports and airports not covered by HSH Class-1.
These projects were categorized into long-term, medium-term and short-term projects based on their implementation importance.
Aside from the masterplan, JICA’s development assistance covers pre-feasibility study of four important road and bridge projects: Agusan Del Norte-Butuan City Logistical Highway in Region 13; Cebu Circumferential Road in Region 7; Central Mindanao Highway, Cagayan de Oro-Malaybalay Section in Region 10; and second San Juanico Bridge in Region 8.
DPWH said that with the master plan and feasibility studies now completed, “the Philippines is one step closer to building faster, safer, resilient, and environmentally friendly road transport network which supports national goals of rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth.”
