The Japanese government has turned over to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) a masterplan that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has built for the development of high standard highways (HSH) in the Philippines.
JICA Study Team leader Ryuichi Ueno said the masterplan covers the the 200-km radius of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao under the HSH Network Development Phase 2.
The masterplan proposes the construction of 4,400 kilometers 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; while about 4,600-km of HSH Class-2 (regional high standard highway) will branch off from the HSH Class-1 to provide connection to sub-regional centers, important ports and airports not covered by HSH Class-1.
DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado, in his opening speech delivered by Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, thanked the Government of Japan thru Embassy of Japan to the Philippines Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and JICA Philippines Representative Eigo Azukizawa for the support it has extended for the completion of the HSH Network Development Master Plan - Phase 2.
“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,” said Mercado during the turnover ceremony on Nov. 29.
"This is in support of the country’s effort to invest in high-quality infrastructure for improved national connectivity and accessibility," he added.
Aside from the masterplan, JICA’s development assistance also covers the pre-feasibility study of four (4) important road and bridge namely 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 2nd San Juanico Bridge in Region 8.
With the completion of the master plan and feasibility studies, the Philippines is one step closer to building faster, safer, resilient, and environmentally friendly road transport network which support national goals of rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth.