MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to complete the rehabilitation of the badly deteriorated Maysan Road in Valenzuela City within six months, as authorities move to address the road’s deep potholes and hazardous driving conditions.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the repair will be carried out on a 24/7 basis to meet the six-month target, following an inspection of the road with Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian on August 13.
Dizon did not mince words when describing the condition of the road, comparing its crater-filled surface to a “sungkaan” board, the traditional Filipino board game characterized by a long, boat-shaped playing surface with numerous pits.
“Gagawin na natin nang tama at maayos. 24/7 na para 6 months [tapos] tayo,” Dizon said.
The Philippine Information Agency reported that Marcos had directed the continuous infrastructure work, with Dizon saying the government would push for the project to proceed without stopping.
Maysan Road has become a serious safety concern
The condition of Maysan Road has become particularly difficult for motorcycle riders and other motorists.
During the inspection, Dizon said the deteriorated pavement had already resulted in motorcycle riders falling on the road. A commuter interviewed during the visit also described the road as difficult and dangerous, particularly when rain makes the potholes harder to see.
Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian compared the driving experience to being on the surface of the moon, pointing to the road’s uneven and heavily damaged pavement.
The problem is especially concerning during periods of heavy rain, when potholes can become filled with water and road visibility can deteriorate.
Concrete rehabilitation, round-the-clock work
According to PIA, construction is scheduled to begin over the weekend following the August 13 inspection.
Dizon said reinforced concrete will be used for the road surface, while DPWH personnel will work continuously to accelerate completion.
Authorities acknowledge that the rehabilitation itself could initially make traffic worse.
Dizon warned motorists that there would be traffic disruption during construction but said the temporary inconvenience is necessary to finally address the road’s dangerous condition.
The repair effort comes as Maysan Road faces recurring flood problems
Maysan Road’s problems are not limited to potholes.
The area around Maysan and neighboring communities in Valenzuela has also been affected by flooding during periods of intense rain. The Philippine Information Agency previously reported that interconnected waterways around Maysan, Paso de Blas and other Valenzuela communities overflowed during severe weather, contributing to flooding and traffic disruption around the NLEX corridor.
This makes proper road rehabilitation particularly important: simply filling potholes may not be enough if drainage and flooding continue to accelerate pavement deterioration.
DPWH records show previous Maysan-area infrastructure work
Government procurement records also show that DPWH has previously undertaken infrastructure projects in the Maysan area.
For example, DPWH’s Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering Office listed a project for the construction of a drainage system and sidewalk along Maysan Service Road near NLEX in Barangay Maysan, Valenzuela City. The FY2025 project had an approved budget of about ₱20 million, while the procurement monitoring report recorded a contract cost of about ₱19.09 million.
That project is separate from the newly announced six-month rehabilitation effort discussed by Dizon, so the two should not be treated as a single project.
Other reports confirm the six-month target
The development was also reported by The Philippine Star, which said Dizon inspected Maysan Road with Gatchalian on August 13 and confirmed that Marcos had ordered the road repairs completed. Philstar likewise reported Dizon’s description of the road as resembling a “sungkaan” board and his plan for 24/7 construction to achieve the six-month deadline.
ABS-CBN News separately reported on August 13 that Maysan Road was scheduled for rehabilitation, confirming that the repair effort was already being prepared as the road continued to deteriorate.
The Philippine News Agency also reported Dizon’s inspection and the planned repair works, adding further confirmation that the rehabilitation is being fast-tracked.
What motorists should expect
For motorists who regularly use Maysan Road, the immediate situation could be a case of “tiis muna bago ginhawa.”
The planned 24/7 construction means motorists should expect possible traffic congestion, lane restrictions and delays while sections of the road are being repaired.
But if DPWH meets its six-month target, the payoff would be significant: a safer and more durable road for commuters, motorcycle riders, motorists and residents who rely on Maysan Road every day.
For now, however, the real test is not the promise of a six-month completion.
It is whether the battered road can actually be transformed from what officials described as a “sungkaan” into a safe, properly built roadway before the deadline expires.
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