Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered that all obstruction and clearing work on Maharlika Highway be completed by the end of March in preparation for the Holy Week exodus.

During a press briefing on Monday, Dizon outlined two key steps the agency is taking to ensure smoother travel for motorists heading to provinces, particularly Quezon, Bicol, and Samar, areas known for damaged roads.

“All obstructions and clearing works must be completed by the end of March. Ibig sabihin, pagkababiyahe na ang mga kababayan natin sa Maharlika Highway… wala nang obstruction, wala nang ongoing na construction,” Dizon said.

“Ang instruction natin, bago mag-Holy Week ngayong 2026, tapos na ‘yan. ‘Yung mga nakita niyong ongoing kanina, ‘yung reblocking, ‘yung mga trabahong ginagawa diyan sa drainage, sa pag-aaspalto, tapos na,” he added.

Dizon also said that there would be no road closures along Maharlika Highway during the Holy Week.

According to Dizon, motorists can expect the road to be cleared of obstructions and fully passable, while potholes and uneven sections will be temporarily patched to level the surface.

“‘Yung mga butas-butas at uneven na surfaces, gagawan ng temporary patchwork para kahit papaano, smooth naman ang dadaanan,” Dizon explained.

The Secretary also assured the public that following the Holy Week preparations, the DPWH will begin a long-term rehabilitation plan for Maharlika Highway, aiming for permanent improvement of road conditions.

He added that the rehabilitation of the highway is set to begin by June or July, with the project bidding scheduled for May.

Dizon earlier announced that the DPWH will engage the country’s biggest and most reputable contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway to ensure faster completion and higher construction quality.