Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate repair of damaged sections of Andaya Highway after inspecting areas plagued by large potholes in Barangays Cabutagan and Tapi in Lupi town.
Dizon noted that severe road damage, caused by Typhoon Kristine, had slowed traffic significantly, turning a 20-minute drive into more than an hour.
He directed Department of Public Works and Highways officials to begin urgent repairs and said the work must be completed before Holy Week to ease congestion and ensure public safety.
Residents and motorists welcomed the inspection, saying the problem had persisted for decades and caused daily hardship.
Barangay Cabutagan Captain Gaspar S. Gaspar said some parents were forced to place their children in boarding houses near their schools in neighboring towns due to travel times stretching to one to two hours.
