The measure proposing the construction of the 240-kilometer trans-Mindanao superhighway that would connect the Caraga Region and northern Mindanao Caraga Region and northern Mindanao to the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental has received a green light from the House committee on public works and highways.

The House Bill 2799, which was authored by Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, is eyed to “greatly contribute to the development of the island of Mindanao”.
“At present, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are isolated from western Mindanao due to absence of an east-to-west highway,” he said.

“Also, the proposed highway would allow people from the Caraga Region access to the Laguindingan Airport, with travel time of four hours from Tandag City in Surigao del Sur,” he added.

Rodriguez further noted that the residents around the area will have an easier time travelling domestic or foreign because the road network will not require them to travel to Cebu or Manila anymore.

“Further, a new highway would open up large tracts of agricultural land in Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Cagayan de Oro City to agricultural, commercial, residential, and industrial development,” Rodriguez stressed.

HB 2799 indicates that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be tapped to carry out this project.

“This superhighway would pass through Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur and Malaybalay and Talakag in Bukidnon, which will connect with Talakag-Barangay Donsolihon road and the Barangay Donsolihon-Barangay San Simon-Laguindingan Airport highway,” Rodriguez continued.

The budget for the construction of the superhighway will be allocated from the proposed annual budget.