LUPPI, Camarines Sur — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has accelerated its road repair and maintenance operations along the Andaya Highway in a bid to minimize congestion during the upcoming Holy Week exodus. Recognizing the highway as a critical artery for travelers heading to the Bicol Region and Visayas, the department is racing to complete “pothole patching” and asphalt overlays before the surge of provincial buses and private vehicles begins in late March.
The highway, which serves as a major diversion road for the Maharlika Highway, has recently been plagued by “bottleneck zones” due to heavy rains during the tail-end of the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon). With the “Third Wave” of global economic fallout driving up logistics costs, the DPWH emphasized that well-maintained roads are essential for reducing fuel consumption and preventing vehicle wear-and-tear for motorists already dealing with the “diesel double whammy.”
“Our goal is to ensure a ‘zero-pothole’ experience for our commuters this Lenten season,” a DPWH regional director stated during a site inspection. “Andaya Highway is the lifeblood of Bicol trade. By fixing these critical sections now, we are not just easing traffic; we are helping lowered-income families save on fuel by ensuring smoother, faster travel times.”
The DPWH “Oplan Biyaheng Paligid” for the 2026 Holy Week includes:
- 24/7 Road Maintenance: Quick-response teams are deployed to monitor and repair “high-stress” segments of the highway, particularly in the marshy areas of Sipocot and Lupi where the road base is prone to shifting.
- Temporary Suspension of Major Excavations: To maximize road space, all non-essential diggings and long-term bridge reconstructions will be temporarily halted from Holy Wednesday until Easter Sunday.
- Strategic Signage & Lighting: Improved reflective road markings and solar-powered street lights are being installed to enhance safety for “night-travelers” looking to avoid the daytime summer heat.
- Motorist Assistance Centers: In coordination with the PNP and local government units, DPWH “Lakbay Alalay” stations will be set up along the highway to provide emergency mechanical aid and medical assistance.
The repair efforts coincide with the government’s broader infrastructure push, including the ₱50-billion housing and transit-oriented development goals. However, the immediate focus remains on the Bicol-bound “Homecoming Rush.” Transport groups have welcomed the repairs, noting that even minor delays on the Andaya Highway can lead to three- to four-hour tailbacks during peak holiday periods.
As the second quarter of 2026 approaches, the DPWH is also looking into more permanent “rigid pavement” solutions for the highway to withstand the increasing volume of heavy-duty trucks carrying goods and construction materials to the south.
With Speaker Inno Dy V ensuring that House oversight continues during the recess, lawmakers from the Bicol bloc have signaled they will monitor the DPWH’s progress closely. For the thousands of Filipinos planning their annual pilgrimage or family reunions, the smooth passage through Andaya Highway remains a top priority for a safe and “inflation-managed” Holy Week.