TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region is set to undertake an unprecedented infrastructure development program in 2025, with a total of 1,521 projects worth P58.655 billion spread across the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.
This year’s infrastructure push, one of the most ambitious in recent years, aims to enhance road connectivity, fortify disaster resilience, and boost economic growth across the region.
Of the 1,521 projects, a significant portion is dedicated to improving the region’s transportation network, with 288 road projects, including construction, widening, rehabilitation, and improvement initiatives; and 51 bridge projects, covering repairs, widening, and new constructions to strengthen inter-provincial and inter-city connectivity.
A total of 175 flood control structures will be built across the region to mitigate the impact of flooding, protect lives and properties, and strengthen disaster resilience.
Under the Convergence and Special Support Program (CSSP), DPWH-8 will also roll out key projects aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and essential services.
These includes 22 tourism road projects under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP); 3 projects under Kalsada Tungo sa Paliparan, Riles at Daungan (KATUPARAN), which improves access to airports, railways, and ports; and 4 projects under the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program to facilitate smoother logistics and commerce.
To improve basic infrastructure and public service access, DPWH-8 will also implement seven water supply system projects to ensure reliable access to clean water; 14 National Building Program projects, including government office buildings and other public facilities; 587 projects under the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP) to enhance essential community structures; 326 Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) projects to address infrastructure deficiencies in various sectors; and 44 road projects under the Special Road Fund – Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) for road maintenance and improvement.
Among the flagship projects funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are Tacloban City Causeway, a vital road infrastructure to improve mobility and ease congestion; Samar Island Medical Center, enhancing healthcare access in the province; Basey-Maydolong Road, providing a crucial link between Samar and Eastern Samar; Mahaplag-Hilongos Road, improving inter-town connectivity; and Tacloban City Bypass Road Extension, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city.
With P58.66 billion allocated for 1,521 projects, DPWH-8’s ambitious infrastructure plan is expected to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, improve connectivity, and enhance disaster resilience across Eastern Visayas.
The agency’s efforts will not only transform the region’s physical landscape but also pave the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for its residents.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
