LEGAZPI CITY – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday praised improvements in road repair, slip fixes, and construction in Lupi and Sipocot towns in Camarines Sur, noting faster travel times ahead of Holy Week.

"The instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for Holy Week is that the Andaya and Maharlika Highways must be cleared. Hopefully, this will be the first time that it will be two lanes, and it will continue. It may be a little slow, but continue," Dizon said.

Dizon revisited areas where he found difficulties during his first inspection in January, including a road repair in Barangay Manangle, Sipocot; a road slip in Barangay Cabutagan, Lupi, and the Mauca Bridge in Barangay Colacling, Lupi.

"Now it's OK. Traffic management will be needed since there is construction in the middle of the road for water flows, but rest assured, it will be two lanes, so we are now coordinating with the provincial government of Camarines Sur and the Philippine National Police for smooth operations," he added.

Dizon noted that travel time is now faster compared to his January visit due to fewer blocked lanes.

"I noticed, we're passing faster because there are fewer one-way streets. Now, when all the one-way streets are gone, it will be open, and two-way streets will be really fast for our motorists," he said.

He added that rehabilitation of Maharlika and Andaya Highways would continue to ensure high-quality work even after Holy Week.

"We still have a lot to do, but at least this Holy Week, travel for motorists won't be too difficult," Dizon said.

Lupi Mayor Christopher Jacinto thanked Marcos and other officials for the road slip repair in Barangay Cabutagan, saying it will ease travel during Holy Week.

"Because of this cooperation, our national highway has changed significantly," he said, noting that high-quality materials were used.

Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte also thanked the administration for the quick actions taken to repair Andaya Highway. (PNA)