DPWH proposes the construction of a 65-km superhighway connecting Davao and Cagayan De Oro

The Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have recently held a meeting to discuss and propose an early loan provision for the Malaybalay Section of the High-Standard Highway (HSH) project in Central Mindanao.

The Malaybalay section is a 65-kilometer stretch of road that aims to connect Davao City and Cagayan De Oro. This means that motorists in Mindanao will have the opportunity to travel directly between Davao City and Cagayan De Oro without the need to navigate through various towns and cities along the way. Covering a distance of 65 kilometers, the initiative comprises five sections linking Davao City to Cagayan De Oro City. Furthermore, the project includes the construction of two extensive bridges to enhance speed and safety in travel across Central Mindanao.

In his briefing to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain conveyed that the mission led by JICA Headquarters Southeast Asia Division 5 participated in an in-depth discussion on November 10, 2023, with the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) team.

The findings from the Fact-Finding Mission, documented in the Minutes of Discussion, will serve as the foundation for the forthcoming Appraisal Mission. This mission aims to conduct a thorough review by JICA for the proposed Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan financing for the project. Out of the entire 65-kilometer road project, JICA will finance the civil works for the initial 11-kilometer segment, also known as Section 1. Simultaneously, the funding for the remaining Sections 2 to 5, covering 54 kilometers, will be provided by the Asian Development Bank.

Upon the successful completion of this extensive infrastructure initiative, the Central Mindanao High-Standard Highway will play a crucial role in connecting agricultural products from expansive plantations to local markets and gateway ports in Cagayan De Oro City.

The proposed section will be accessible via the Butuan-Cagayan De Oro-Iligan Road from the north and Sayre Highway from the south. The alignment will feature a 60-meter right-of-way, complemented by the construction of five interchanges strategically located near urban areas.

JICA Consultants, equipped with technical expertise and extensive experience in designing high-pier and long-span bridges, will be lending their skills to the DPWH in preparing for the eventual construction of the Central Mindanao High-Standard Highway Project.

At the other end, the DPWH has successfully secured funding from the Asian Development Bank for the Detailed Engineering Design of Sections 2 to 5 of the Central Mindanao HSH Project under the Second Additional Financing of the Infrastructure Innovation and Preparation Facility (IPIF-AF2).