LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has terminated the contracts of the contractors involved in the Malabog flyover project in Albay province due to right-of-way issues.
During a visit on February 1, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced this termination and stated that bidding for new contractors would begin immediately this week.
His move followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end the contracts of all delayed projects and expedite the completion of stalled initiatives.
“Completion is expected within one to one and a half years, as the project is not too extensive and only a limited amount of right-of-way remains to be secured,” Dizon said, speaking in Filipino and English.
“This is a clear commitment to Governor Noel Rosal to finish the project once and for all, in line with the residents’ demand that long-stalled projects should be realized,” he added.
Dizon cited the Malabog flyover, which was originally budgeted at P410,948,688 and is currently only 13 percent complete. This year, P98 million has been allocated for the project.
Phase 1, with Contract ID No. 21F00084 and a cost of more than P47.26 million, was completed in 2022. Phase 2, however, was not implemented due to right-of-way issues.
According to the report of the DPWH Regional Office 5, Phases 2, 3, and 4 of the project were contracted at P47.26 million, P65 million, and P98 million, respectively.
“To be fair, the design is correct. We will strive to complete this by the middle of 2027,” Dizon added.
He emphasized that the flyover project would facilitate smoother traffic flow to and from the Bicol International Airport and help alleviate congestion along the Maharlika Highway.
Michael Yao, a resident of Malabog, Daraga, expressed his optimism about the completion of the flyover in his town.
“It’s not just for me as a resident of Albay, but for all Filipinos. It’s reassuring to know that government infrastructure projects are progressing, especially concerning roads, because they contribute to the development of our community,” he said.
Source: PIA Bicol