DPWH halts some road works to ease Holy Week travel; EDSA rehab to start on Holy Wednesday

Road rehabilitation works are ongoing along EDSA in Pasay City on December 26, 2025, as crews conduct repairs and resurfacing to improve road conditions. Maria Tan, ABSCBNNews

MANILA (2ND UPDATE)— The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered a temporary suspension of road construction projects—except for the ongoing EDSA rehabilitation—to help ease traffic and reduce fuel consumption during the Holy Week exodus.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the move is part of a coordinated effort with other government agencies to ensure smoother travel for millions of Filipinos heading to their hometowns.

“Lahat ng construction pinahinto natin ngayong Holy Week. Magre-resume na lang tayo ng construction sa week of April 6,” Dizon said.

“Tulong-tulong ang direktiba ng Pangulo. Lalo na ngayong tumataas ang presyo ng krudo, diesel, at gasolina, at marami ang babiyahe ngayong Holy Week, kailangan maibsan natin kahit papaano ang hirap ng mga kababayan natin,” he added.

The DPWH chief explained that minimizing road obstructions would not only shorten travel time but also reduce fuel consumption.

He cited the ongoing rehabilitation efforts along the Maharlika Highway, particularly in critical traffic-prone areas such as Gumaca, Quezon, and segments in Camarines Sur, Albay, and Samar.

“Madami pang kailangan ayusin lalo na dun sa mga traffic-prone areas, tulad ‘yung intersection sa Gumaca. Just two months ago, talagang tutukod ‘yung traffic dyan. So ‘yun muna ang pinrioritize natin,” Dizon said.

“Pero ang importante is, itong Holy Week, walang magwa-one way. Kasi ‘yun ang nagpapabagal talaga ng traffic. And dahil doon, grabe ang konsumo sa gasolina niyan saka ‘yung oras na madadagdag sa biyahe.”

He added that temporary patchwork repairs have been done in still-damaged areas to maintain traffic flow, while major rehabilitation projects will resume after the holiday.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation along EDSA will continue on a 24/7 schedule beginning Wednesday at 10 p.m., covering Phase 1 from Orense to Roxas Boulevard, including carriageways and sidewalks.

“‘Yung EDSA rehab natin, talagang papaspasan natin. Lalo na ngayon na kakaunti naman ang mga vehicles sa Metro Maniga pag start ng Holy Week. So from Wednesday 10 p.m. hanggang Monday 4 a.m. ng Monday, April 6,” he said.

Dizon also stressed the government’s efforts to ensure construction continues despite rising prices of fuel.

“Meron naman tayong mga mekanismo para magtaas ng presyo. At naglabas na kami ng DOTR ng mga department order, para hindi mahirapan ‘yung mga ongoing na contractor natin na mag-request ng price increase kapag talagang nakitang tumaas ang presyo ng semento, ng bakal, ng kung ano-ano pang mga materyales,” he explained.

“Pero syempre, kailangan may safeguard din tayo. Hindi naman pwedeng abusuhin ‘yan,” he warned.

He reassured the public that the government is coordinating with the Department of Energy (DOE) and private sector suppliers to maintain a steady supply of fuel and materials during the holidays.