PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK

I. About DPWH

The growth of the DPWH, as the main infrastructure arm of the country, spans even more than
four centuries of colorful and significant development, starting from construction of settlement
roads and “Obras Publicas” during the Spanish colonial era to the public works construction
activities of the U.S. Army engineers in the Commonwealth period and eventually, the
Philippine Republic.

The Department underwent various stages of development and evolution that largely
depended upon the change in administration, resulting in amendments in administration
policies, and reorganization in its structure and responsibilities to suit the ever-increasing needs
of its stakeholders.

From its very first Minister, Maximo Paterno, who has led the then Ministry of Public Works and
Communications in 1899, down to the first Secretary of the then newly-constituted Department
of Public Works and Highways, Rogaciano Mercado in 1986; and finally up to the incumbent
Secretary Mark A. Villar, the agency has steadfastly carried out continuous development of its
technology for purposes of ensuring the safety of all infrastructure facilities and securing all
public works and highways to the highest level of efficiency and the most suitable quality in
construction.

We have come a long way since then. Our efforts in building the physical foundation and the
backbone of the country have been improved and infused with modern engineering
technology, blending the inherent Filipino ingenuity and skills to meet the increasing demands
of the times.

The development of the highway network in the Philippines is one of the major national
programs being implemented by the government in order to support the overall socioeconomic
development of the country.

After a long process of evolution, by virtue of Executive Order No. 124, dated January 30,
1987, the agency is now known as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with
six (6) bureaus, nine (9) services, sixteen (16) regional offices, one (1) Unified Project
Management Office (UPMO), and one hundred eighty-three (183) district engineering offices
committed to accelerate the process of nation building through infrastructure projects that shall
be its legacy to the country.

As the principal engineering and construction arm of the government, the DPWH is responsible
for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of vital infrastructures such as roads,
bridges, flood control systems, water resource development projects and other public works
geared towards the attainment of sustainable growth and development.

The main societal goal of the DPWH is to contribute to the sustainable economic growth and
poverty reduction and improve the country’s global competitiveness through the construction
and maintenance of the country’s national roads, bridges and public works to provide access to
major airports, seaports/RORO ports, markets, production areas, strategic tourist destinations
and economic centers throughout the country.

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II. Engineering Offices

Section 25 of Executive Order No. 124, Series of 1987, provides for the establishment of
engineering offices in each of the provinces and cities throughout the country responsible for
all highways, flood control and water resource development systems, and other public works
within the district under the purview of regional offices comprised therein.

Under its present set-up, DPWH has 182 existing Regular District Engineering Offices (DEOs)
and 1 Sub-DEO and sixteen (16) Regional Offices (ROs) making up contiguous component
municipalities designated through administrative orders and other forms of legislation.

The classification of a DEO determines its staffing pattern or workforce as determined by the
Human Resource and Administrative Service (HRAS). Each regular DEO is classified as either
1st, 2nd or 3rd class based on its equivalent road length. Presently, fifty-eight (58), one hundred
nine (109), and fifteen (15) DEOs are considered under the aforementioned classification,
respectively. In the case of the lone Cavite sub-DEO, it is not given a classification because it
does not have a definite staffing complement and merely is manned by assigned personnel
from the Regional Office and other DEOs.

Existing DEOs were established based on vital parameters such as the district’s physical and
socioeconomic features, particularly its road length, land area and population per Department
Order (DO) No. 110, Series of 2016.

A. For the creation of a new DEO, the minimum requirements are as follows:

REQUIREMENT FOR THE CREATION OF DEOs

PARAMETERS MINIMUM REQUIREMENT
NATIONAL ROAD LENGTH 100 KILOMETERS
LAND AREA 100 SQ. KM
POPULATION 250,000 INHABITANTS

FOR ISLAND COMPONENT 35,000 INHABITANTS

MUNICIPALITY

B. For the classification/reclassification of DEOs the following parameters must be followed:

PARAMETER FOR DEO CLASSIFICATION

EQUIVALENT LANE KILOMETER DEO CLASS
250 AND ABOVE 1ST CLASS
100 UP TO < 250 2ND CLASS
< 100 3RD CLASS

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 An updated list of existing district and regional offices including their corresponding address is
provided below.

TABLE A
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
LIST OF DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICES (DEOs) AND OFFICE LOCATION

As of January 2018
REGION DEO/SUB-DEO OFFICE LOCATION
CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE
CAR Engineer's Hill, Baguio City
REGION (CAR)
1 ABRA DEO Rizal St., Zone 7, Bangued, Abra
2 APAYAO 1ST DEO Conner, Apayao
3 APAYAO 2ND DEO San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao
4 BAGUIO CITY DEO Engineer's Hill, Baguio City
5 BENGUET 1ST DEO Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet
6 BENGUET 2ND DEO Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet
7 IFUGAO 1ST DEO Poblacion North, Lagawe, Ifugao
8 IFUGAO 2ND DEO Galunugon, Aguinaldo, Ifugao
9 LOWER KALINGA DEO Purok 6, Brgy. Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga
10 MT. PROVINCE DEO Lower Caluttit, Bontoc, Mountain Province
11 MT. PROVINCE 2ND DEO Paracelis, Mountain Province (Temporary Address)
12 UPPER KALINGA DEO Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga, Apayao
NCR NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) 2nd Street, Port Area, Manila
1 LAS PIÑAS-MUNTINLUPA DEO Dpwh NCR Compound, 2nd Street, Port Area, Mla.
2 MALABON-NAVOTAS DEO C-4 Road, Bagumbayan North, Navotas City
West Bank Road, Manggahan Floodway, Rosario,
3 METRO MANILA 1ST DEO
Pasig City
4 METRO MANILA 2ND DEO Bonifacio Drive cor. 8th St. Port Area, Manila
APDC-BAI Compound, R. Valenzuela Ext., Marulas,
5 METRO MANILA 3RD DEO
Valenzuela City
6 NORTH MANILA DEO Nagtahan, Sta. Mesa, Manila
7 QUEZON CITY 1ST DEO Sta. Catalina St., Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City
8 QUEZON CITY 2ND DEO 790 EDSA, Diliman, Quezon City
9 SOUTH MANILA DEO Bonifacio Drive cor. 8th St. Port Area, Manila
REGION Aguila Road, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La
ILOCOS REGION
I Union
Airport Avenue, Brgy. 43, Cavit, Laoag City, Ilocos
1 ILOCOS NORTE 1ST DEO
Norte
2 ILOCOS NORTE 2ND DEO Brgy. 20, San Pablo, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
3 ILOCOS SUR 1ST DEO Zone 6, Bantay, Ilocos Sur
4 ILOCOS SUR 2ND DEO Brgy. Calaoa-an, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
5 LA UNION 1ST DEO Brgy. Lingsat, San Fernando City, La Union
6 LA UNION 2ND DEO Brgy. Natividad, Naguilian, La Union
7 PANGASINAN 1ST DEO Pandayan St., Poblacion, Alaminos City, Pangasinan
8 PANGASINAN 2ND DEO Alvear St., Lingayen, Pangasinan
9 PANGASINAN 3RD DEO Tomana West, Rosales, Pangasinan
10 PANGASINAN 4TH DEO Brgy. Tuliao, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
REGION Reg. Site Center, Carig Sur,Tuguegarao City,
CAGAYAN VALLEY
II Cagayan
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 1 BATANES DEO National Rd., Kayvaluganan, Basco, Batanes
2 CAGAYAN 1ST DEO Brgy. Minanga, Aparri, Cagayan
3 CAGAYAN 2ND DEO Libertad, Abulog, Cagayan
Nursery Compound, Bagay Road, San Gabriel,
4 CAGAYAN 3RD DEO
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
5 ISABELA 1ST DEO Brgy. Osmeña, City of Ilagan, Isabela
6 ISABELA 2ND DEO San Antonio, Roxas, Isabela
7 SABELA 3RD DEO Brgy. Tagaran, Cauayan City, Isabela
8 ISABELA 4TH DEO Brgy. Quezon, San Isidro, Isabela
9 NUEVA VIZCAYA DEO Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya
10 NUEVA VIZCAYA 2ND DEO Malasin, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Viscaya
11 QUIRINO DEO Cabarroguis, Quirino
REGION
CENTRAL LUZON Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
III
1 AURORA DEO Brgy. Reserva, Baler, Aurora
2 BATAAN 1ST DEO Roman Expressway, Orani, Bataan
3 BATAAN 2ND DEO Vicarville Subdivision, Tenejaro, Balanga City, Bataan
4 BULACAN 1ST DEO Tikay, City of Malolos, Bulacan
5 BULACAN 2ND DEO Cityland Subd., Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan
6 NUEVA ECIJA 1ST DEO La Torre, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
7 NUEVA ECIJA 2ND DEO Brgy. San Isidro, Cabanatuan City
8 PAMPANGA 1ST DEO Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
9 PAMPANGA 2ND DEO San Antonio, Guagua, Pampanga
10 PAMPANGA 3RD DEO San Francisco St., Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City
11 TARLAC DEO Parsolingan, Gerona, Tarlac
12 TARLAC 2ND DEO NIA Compound, Jefmin, Concepcion, Tarlac
13 ZAMBALES 1ST DEO Iba, Zambales
14 ZAMBALES 2ND DEO Sitio Baring, San Nicolas, Castillejos, Zambales
REGION
CALABARZON EDSA, Quezon City
IV-A
1 BATANGAS 1ST DEO Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City
2 BATANGAS 2ND DEO Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City
3 BATANGAS 3RD DEO J. Gonzales St., Tanauan City, Batangas
4 BATANGAS 4THDEO Brgy. Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas
Capitol Compound, Brgy. San Agustin, Trece Martirez
5 CAVITE DEO
City
Akle St., cor. Mahogany Ave., Brgy. Kaybagal South,
6 CAVITE 2ND DEO
Tagaytay City
7 CAVITE SUB-DEO Carmona, Cavite
Manuel L. Quezon Ave., Brgy. Callios, Sta. Cruz,
8 LAGUNA 1ST DEO
Laguna
9 LAGUNA 2ND DEO Brgy. Bambang, Los Baños, Laguna
10 LAGUNA 3RD DEO Mariflor Subd., San Pablo City, Laguna
11 QUEZON 1ST DEO Brgy. Abang, Lucban, Quezon
12 QUEZON 2ND DEO Dalahican Road, Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City
13 QUEZON 3RD DEO Catanauan, Quezon
Immaculada Concepcion Village, Brgy. Isabang,
14 QUEZON 4TH DEO
Lucena City
15 RIZAL 1ST DEO Brgy. Calumpang, Binangonan, Rizal

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 #16 West Bank Road, Mangahan Floodway, Brgy.
16 RIZAL 2ND DEO
Rosario, Pasig City
REGION
MIMAROPA EDSA, Quezon City
IV-B
1 MARINDUQUE DEO Bangbangalon, Boac, Marinduque
2 MINDORO OCCIDENTAL DEO Airport Rd., Mamburao, Mindoro Occidental
3 MINDORO ORIENTAL DEO Brgy. Masipit, Calapan City,l Mindoro Oriental
4 PALAWAN 1ST DEO Barangay III, Roxas, Palawan
Km.92, South National Highway, Brgy. Antipuluan,
5 PALAWAN 2ND DEO
Narra, Palawan
6 PALAWAN 3RD DEO Brgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
#014 J.P. Rizal St., Tabing Dagat, Odiongan,
7 ROMBLON DEO
Romblon
8 SOUTHERN MINDORO DEO Barangay Roxas, Mindoro Oriental
REGION Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City,
BICOL REGION
V Albay
1 ALBAY 1ST DEO Airport Site,Legaspi City
2 ALBAY 2ND DEO RES V Compound, Airport Site,Legaspi City
3 ALBAY 3RD DEO Paulog, Ligao City
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. Pasig, Daet, Camarines
4 CAMARINES NORTE DEO
Norte
5 CAMARINES SUR 1ST DEO Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur
6 CAMARINES SUR 2ND DEO Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur
7 CAMARINES SUR 3RD DEO Caraycayon, Tigaon, Camarines Sur
8 CAMARINES SUR 4TH DEO Brgy. Sta. Teresa, Baao, Camarines Sur
9 CAMARINES SUR 5TH DEO Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur
10 CATANDUANES DEO San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
11 MASBATE 1ST DEO Capitol Road, Brgy. Centro, Masbate City
12 MASBATE 2ND DEO Brgy. Balocawe, Dimasalang, Masbate
13 MASBATE 3RD DEO Brgy. Bayanihan, San Fernando, Masbate
14 SORSOGON DEO Daang Maharlika, Guinlajon, Sorsogon
15 SORSOGON 2ND DEO Brgy. Payawin, Gubat, Sorsogon
REGION
WESTERN VISAYAS Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
VI
1 AKLAN DEO Toting Reyes St., Kalibo, Aklan
2 ANTIQUE DEO Preciado Street, San Jose, Antique
3 BACOLOD CITY DEO Zardonyx St., Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City
4 CAPIZ 1ST DEO Km. 1, Roxas City
5 CAPIZ 2ND DEO Brgy. Consolacion, Dumalag, Capiz
6 GUIMARAS DEO Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras
7 ILOILO 1ST DEO Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
8 ILOILO 2ND DEO Balabag, Dumangas, Iloilo
9 ILOILO 3RD DEO Brgy. Puerto Princesa, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
10 ILOILO 4TH DEO Brgy. Bolong, Oeste, Sta Barbara, Iloilo
11 ILOILO CITY DEO Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
12 NEGROS OCC. 1ST DEO Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental
13 NEGROS OCC. 2ND DEO Binalbagan, Negros Occidental
14 NEGROS OCC. 3RD DEO Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
15 NEGROS OCC. 4TH DEO Bago City, Negros Occidental

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REGION
CENTRAL VISAYAS South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City
VII
1 BOHOL 1ST DEO Dao,Tagbilaran City
2 BOHOL 2ND DEO Ubay, Bohol
3 BOHOL 3RD DEO Sawang, Guindulman , Bohol
4 CEBU 1ST DEO New Medellin Estate, Poblacion Medellin, Cebu
5 CEBU 2ND DEO Lawaan, Talisay, Cebu
6 CEBU 3RD DEO Sitio Khinner, Brgy. Poblacion, Toledo City, Cebu
7 CEBU 4TH DEO Poblacion, Dalaguete, Cebu
8 CEBU 5TH DEO V. Sotto St., Brgy. Tinago, Pier 3, Cebu City
9 CEBU 6TH DEO A.C. Cortes Ave., Mandaue City
10 CEBU CITY DEO V. Sotto St., Brgy. Tinago, Cebu City
11 NEGROS ORIENTAL 1ST DEO Tinaoagan, Bindoy, Negros Oriental
12 NEGROS ORIENTAL 2ND DEO Capitol Area, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
13 NEGROS ORIENTAL 3RD DEO Malabuhan, Siaton, Negros Oriental
14 SIQUIOR DEO Larena, Siquijor
REGION
EASTERN VISAYAS Govt. Center, Baras, Palo, Leyte
VIII
1 BILIRAN DEO Naval, Biliran
2 EASTERN SAMAR DEO Brgy. Alang-alang, Borongan City, Eastern Samar
3 LEYTE 1ST DEO Brgy. Pawing, Palo, Leyte
4 LEYTE 2ND DEO Brgy. Barugohay Central, Carigara, Leyte
5 LEYTE 3RD DEO Brgy. Suba, Villaba, Leyte
Government Center Area, Brgy. Punta, Ormoc City,
6 LEYTE 4TH DEO
Leyte
7 LEYTE 5TH DEO Brgy. Hipusngo, Baybay City, Leyte
8 NORTHERN SAMAR 1ST DEO Catarman, Northern Samar
9 NORTHERN SAMAR 2ND DEO Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar
10 SAMAR 1ST DEO Brgy. San Policarpo, Calbayog City, Samar
11 SAMAR 2ND DEO Brgy. Guindapunan, Catbalogan City, Samar
12 SOUTHERN LEYTE DEO Brgy. Asuncion, Maasin City, Southern Leyte
13 TACLOBAN CITY DEO Brgy. Abucay, Tacloban City, Leyte
REGION Veterans Avenue Extension, Tetuan,
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
IX Zamboanga City
1 ISABELA CITY DEO Tabuk, Isabela City, Basilan
2 ZAMBOANGA CITY DEO MCLL, Divisoria, Zamboanga City
3 ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE 1ST DEO Sta. Isabel, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
4 ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE 2ND DEO Usukan, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte
5 ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE 3RD DEO Segabe, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte
Rizal Avenue, Balangasan District, Pagadian City,
6 ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR 1ST DEO
Zamboanga del Sur
7 ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR 2ND DEO Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur
8 ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY 1ST DEO Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay
9 ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY 2ND DEO Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
REGION
NORTHERN MINDANAO Engineer's Hill, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City
X
1 BUKIDNON 1ST DEO Capitol Site, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
2 BUKIDNON 2ND DEO Pinamoloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
3 BUKIDNON 3RD DEO Dicklum, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
6
 4 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY 1ST DEO 10th RES Compound, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City
5 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY 2ND DEO Brgy. Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City
6 CAMIGUIN DEO Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin
ARS Compound, Seminary Drive, Del Carmen, Iligan
7 LANAO DEL NORTE 1ST DEO
City
ARS Compound, Seminary Drive, Del Carmen, Iligan
8 LANAO DEL NORTE 2ND DEO
City
Capitol Site, Lowel Lamak, Oroquita City, Misamis
9 MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL 1ST DEO
Occidental
10 MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL 2ND DEO Juan Luna Street, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Purok 5, Saat State Subdivision, Brgy. 26, Gingoog
11 MISAMIS ORIENTAL 1ST DEO
City, Misamis Oriental
12 MISAMIS ORIENTAL 2ND DEO Balase Street, El Salvador City
REGION Ramon Magsaysay Ave., corner Chavez St.,
DAVAO REGION
XI Davao City
Humabon St., Poblacion Nabunturan, Compostela
1 COMPOSTELA VALLEY DEO
Valley
2 DAVAO CITY DEO L. Maria Guerrero St., Davao City
3 DAVAO CITY 2ND DEO Tirol St., Tugbok, Davao City
4 DAVAO DEL NORTE DEO Brgy. Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
5 DAVAO DEL SUR DEO Lapu-Lapu St.,Digos City, Davao del Sur
6 DAVAO OCCIDENTAL DEO Brgy. Buhangin, Malita, Davao del Sur
7 DAVAO ORIENTAL 1ST DEO Brgy. Lucod, Baganga, Davao Oriental
8 DAVAO ORIENTAL 2ND DEO Mati-ao, Mati City , Davao Oriental
REGION
SOCCSKSARGEN Mabini St., cor. Alunan Ave., Koronadal City
XII
1 COTABATO 1ST DEO Lanao, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
2 COTABATO 2ND DEO Villarica, Midsayap, North Cotabato
3 COTABATO CITY DEO #8 Ramon H. Rabago Sr. Street, Cotabato City
4 SARANGGANI DEO Brgy. Kawas, Alabel, Saranggani
Alunan Avenue, Brgy. 3, Koronadal City, South
5 SOUTH COTABATO DEO
Cotabato
6 SOUTH COTABATO 2ND DEO Brgy. Lagao, General Santos City, South Cotabato
7 SULTAN KUDARAT 1ST DEO Old Capitol Site, Kalawag Dos, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
8 SULTAN KUDARAT 2ND DEO Brgy. Porikay, Sitio Kumalawit, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat
REGION
CARAGA REGION J. Rosales Ave., Butuan City
XIII
1 AGUSAN DEL NORTE DEO J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
2 AGUSAN DEL SUR 1ST DEO Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
3 AGUSAN DEL SUR 2ND DEO Brgy. Karaos, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
4 BUTUAN CITY DEO R. Palma St., Butuan City
5 DINAGAT ISLANDS DEO Brgy. Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Island
6 SURIGAO DEL NORTE 1ST DEO Juese Seiing Road, Surigao City
7 SURIGAO DEL NORTE 2ND DEO Brgy. Dose, Catabaan, Dapa, Surigao del Norte
Capitol Road, Brgy. Elaje, Tandag City, Surigao del
8 SURIGAO DEL SUR 1ST DEO
Sur
9 SURIGAO DEL SUR 2ND DEO Purok 13, Mancarogo, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

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III. Road Classification

A number of laws have been passed regarding the classification of roads in the country. The
first comprehensive reference to a Road Classification System is found in Republic Act No. 917,
known as the Philippine Highway Act, enacted in 1953 and Executive Order (EO) No. 113,
Series of 1955. EO No. 113 also laid down the criteria for classification of national roads and for
conversion from local roads to national roads. This directive classified the roads into National
Primary and National Secondary classes as well as delineated the so-called "national aid"
provincial and city roads of sufficient importance.

In 1987, by virtue of EO No. 124, Series of 1987, Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH), through the Secretary, was given the power to classify roads and highways and also
to provide and authorize the conversion of roads and highways from one category to another.

In April 2002, a Technical Working Group (TWG) was established in connection with the New
Planning Process under NRIMP-1, where the main recommendation was to transfer over 10,000
km. of national roads to the Local Government Units (LGU’s) but this did not materialize.

In June 2009, a memorandum was approved by then Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.
relative to the Department’s criteria/guidelines on road functional classification. National roads
were classified in relation to its functionality to the local road network into National Primary
Arterial Road (which is further categorized into: North-South Backbone, East-West Lateral,
Other Roads of Strategic Importance) and National Secondary Roads.

The North-South Backbone was the main trunk line from northernmost Luzon down to Southern
Mindanao interconnecting major islands while the East-West Laterals were the roads traversing
the backbone and across the islands. Other Roads of Strategic Importance were direct access to
important centers and areas vital for regional development and emergencies. National
Secondary roads were other roads which complemented national arterial roads that provided
access to other major population and production centers.

On April 14, 2014, a memorandum was issued by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson regarding the
new Road Classification System as well as the Route Numbering to all primary roads that has
been extended to secondary roads at present. This new Road Classification and Route
Numbering System was then implemented and incorporated in the Road and Bridge Information
Application (RBIA) in compliance to the said memorandum. The table provides the criteria for
each of these classes of road.

TABLE B
Current Classification System
(Per D.O No. 133, s. 2018)
National Primary • A contiguous length of significant road sections extending linearly
Roads without any breaks or forks that connect major cities (at least around
100,000 population) comprising the main trunk line or the backbone of
the national road system.
8
 National • Directly connect cities to National Primary Roads, except in
Secondary metropolitan areas
Roads • Directly connect major ports and ferry terminals (as defined by DOTr)
to National Primary Roads
• Directly connect major airports (as defined by DOTr) to National
Primary Roads
• Directly connect tourist service centers (as defined by DOT) to
National Primary Roads or other National Secondary Roads
• Directly connect cities (not included in the category of major cities)
• Directly connect provincial capitals within the same region
• Directly connect major National Government Infrastructure to National
Primary Roads or other National Secondary Roads
Applicable only • Bypass/Diversion Roads – Roads that divert through traffic away from
for Primary and the city/municipality business centers (with affirmative feasibility study)
Secondary • Roads that would connect or fill the gap between adjoining national
Roads roads (protruding) to form a continuous national road network.
National
• Other existing roads under DPWH which perform a local function
Tertiary Roads
Provincial • Connect cities and municipalities without traversing National Roads
Roads • Connect to National Roads to barangays through rural areas
• Connect to major provincial government infrastructure
Municipal • Roads within Poblacion
and City Roads • Roads that connect to Provincial and National Roads
• Roads that provide inter-barangay connections to major Municipal and
City Infrastructure without traversing Provincial Roads
Barangay Roads • Other Public Roads (officially turned over) within the barangay and not
covered in the above definitions
Expressways • Highways with limited access, normally with interchanges; may include
facilities for levying tolls for passage in an open or closed system.

Modifications have been made to the new classification with the inclusion of the “National
Tertiary” class, instead of transferring 10,000 km. of National Roads to the Local Government
(city and municipality). No route numbers were assigned to Tertiary Roads as they function as
local roads.

IV. Route Numbering System (RNS)

Along with a new Functional Classification, a Route Numbering System was created which can
be easily understood by road users. Route numbering is essential to road users in planning
their itinerary. Road users will also expect that all roads of a certain classification, and of a
certain numbering scheme, will have similar performance standards. A well-numbered, well-
signed and well-publicized route system is also useful for road agencies and other government
bodies to channel traffic into preferred routes or corridors.

The details of the road classification and numbering can be viewed through this web link:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/gis , which shall also be the official source of this information.

The RNS has been devised for Expressways, Primary Roads and Secondary Roads at present. It
may be expanded to the Tertiary class at a later date.

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 TABLE C
Route Numbering System
Classification Numbering
National Primary Nos. N1 to N49 for the "main" routes or corridors, i.e.
those connecting 3 or more cities

Nos. N50 to N99 for other primary routes connecting

two cities

National Secondary Nos. 100 to 999

Expressways E1, E2, E3, etc.

Expressways are prefixed by the letter “E” for Expressway, in order to differentiate these roads
in road user’s mind from other types of road. The letter “E” implies a different design and
standard of road, and indicates to the public that a toll may be required. Expressways are
numbered continuously. A new number is not given simply because a different concessionaire
is in charge.

Primary Roads are numbered differently according to whether they form “main” corridors, or
whether they only connect two cities. Numbers N1 to N49 are used for “main” routes or
corridors like those connecting three or more cities. While, numbers N50 o N99 are for other
primary routes connecting two cities. This is purely for convention but it helps to differentiate
the nature and function of highways.

Secondary Roads have been given 3-digit numbers. The following general principles or
guidelines have been applied:

(1) The first digit of the Secondary Route corresponds to the number of the Primary
Road to which it connects, if any. Thus, for example, Secondary Road 102 connects
to Primary Road 1 while Secondary Road 405 connects to Primary Road
(2) If a Secondary Route connects two Primary Routes, then the first digit of the
Secondary Route corresponds to the first digit of the lowest numbered Primary
Route. Thus, if a Secondary Route connects Primary Routes 3 and 4, then the first
digit of the Secondary Route would be 3;
(3) “Major” Secondary such as those which can easily be identified as more significant
thoroughfares have been numbered in multiples of 10 (e.g. 410, 420, 430…);
(4) Where possible, gaps have been left in the numbering scheme to accommodate
future expansion. Thus, there may be a Route 410, 411, 412 and then the next
Route may be 420, leaving a gap 413-419 for future use;
(5) Most islands (apart from the larger islands of Luzon and Mindanao) have unique
first and second digits. Thus, for example, Secondary roads in Bohol are numbered
in the 85 series (i.e. 850, 851, 852, etc.) while Secondary roads in Siquijor are
numbered in the 86 series (i.e 860, 861, etc.). Note that, at this point, it has not

10
 been possible to apply these guidelines strictly in certain cases especially in dense
parts of the network such as in National Capital Region.

It will be necessary to add new routes in the future. Any change in classification of an
individual road section should result in a new Route Number. It will also be necessary to assign
route numbers to new roads, especially at the Primary and Secondary levels.

It is not possible to develop detailed procedures in numbering routes since each situation must
be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The current route numbers will evolve over time as
network develops. Reviews shall be undertaken on a periodic six-year cycle and must be done
on a holistic basis and should consider the road network in its entirety rather than in a
disjointed manner.

IV. Road Conversion

The initial classification system of roads in the Philippines was established by succession of
laws based from the necessity during the period of their implementation. There are several
Executive Orders (E.O.s) and Republic Acts (R.A) that governs the classification of roads in the
Philippines.

E.O. No. 124, Series of 1987, reorganizing the Department of Public Works and Highways,
state among others, “the Minister (now Secretary) of the Ministry (now Department) of
Public Works and Highways shall have the power to classify roads and highways
into national, regional (interpreted as routes of primary arterial roads), provincial, city,
municipal, and barangay roads and highways, based on objective criteria it shall
adopt; provide or authorize the conversion of roads and highways from one
category to another.”

Road conversion relates to funding or ownership of the road or which organization is

responsible for managing and maintaining an individual road. Normally, national roads are
managed by the National Government and local (Provincial, City, and Municipal) roads are
managed by Local Government.

A memorandum dated June 10, 2009 adopting the DPWH Road Functional Classification
Criteria and Technical Requirement was approved and signed by the Department Secretary
with the Planning Service as the final recommending arm of the Department. As such, the
Planning Service is vested with the authority to inspect and evaluate the conversion of roads
from one category to another.

There are three (3) ways of converting roads: the Executive, Legislative and Administrative
procedures. The Department of Public Works and Highways was mandated through E.O. No.
124, series of 1987 to convert regional highways, provincial, city, municipal, barangay roads
into national roads under its established Road Functional Classification Criteria and Technical
Standards and Requirements. For Legislative Procedure, the Planning Service (PS) essentially
provides comment and information in consonance to the Department’s Criteria on Road
Functional Classification when requested by both Committees on Public Works, House of

11
Representatives and the Senate. During the hearings conducted by these committees, the
Director and staff from PS usually represent DPWH, if the Secretary is not available.

The local road proposed for conversion will be considered for reclassification into national road
by way of DPWH Administrative Procedure, as mandated under E.O. No. 124, Series of
1987. It shall be subjected to the criteria and guidelines set per Department Order (D.O.) No
133, s.2018. Said road should satisfy at least one of the new DPWH Road Functional
Classification Criteria and should conform to the Technical Requirements and Standards for a
national road

DPWH Technical Requirements and Standards for a National Road:

1) Proof of acquisition of the required minimum 20-meter road right-of-way (RROW) per E.O.
113, s.1955 and minimum of 15-meter RROW for cases within highly urbanized areas per
E.O. 621, s.1980 (absolute requirement). This includes Deeds of Donation or Sale duly
notarized (indicating the lot number, OCT/TCT number, area acquired including technical
description, sketches and Real Property Tax Declaration Number;
2) Certifications from the concerned Provincial/City/Municipality Register of Deeds in order to
ensure the Department that there will be no expense from its part for any claims for the
payment of RROW that may arise therefrom; and,
3) Certification from the District Engineer concerned that the road is within the DPWH’s
standards of at least 20 meters RROW, with at least 6 meters carriageway width gravel
surfacing and in maintainable condition.

If these conditions are satisfied, a D.O. will be issued by the DPWH Secretary converting the
road. The Secretary of Public Works and Highways was given the authority to recommend
roads to be declared as national roads by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Since the Philippine road network is already mature, it is likely that there are very few cases
which can actually warrant a change in classification from local to national function.

TABLE D
NUMBER AND LENGTH OF CONVERTED ROADS
FOR CY 2009 – 2018

YEAR NUMBER/LENGTH TOTAL RA DO RA/DO

Number 27 11 15 1
2009
Length (km) 499.62 300.16 194.64 4.82
Number 40 36 4 0
2010
Length (km) 1,056.16 933.55 122.61 0
Number 9 0 9 0
2011
Length (km) 67.73 0 67.73 0
Number 9 0 9 0
2012
Length (km) 60.79 0 60.79 0
Number 64 37 27 0
2013
Length (km) 549.13 443.86 105.27 0

12
 Number 24 0 24 0
2014
Length (km) 118.01 0 118.01 0
Number 7 0 7 0
2015
Length (km) 52.65 0 52.65 0
Number 33 0 33 0
2016
Length (km) 82.05 0 82.05 0
Number 11 0 11 0
2017
Length (km) 87.17 0 87.17 0
Number 16 0 16 0
2018
Length (km) 48.02 0 47.97 0
Grand Number 240 84 155 1
Total Length (km) 2,621.33 1,677.57 938.89 4.82

Table D shows the number and length of converted roads through Legislative and
Administrative procedures from 2009 to 2018.

In 2010, forty (40) local roads were converted into national roads. Four (4) of these were
converted through Administrative Procedure; while, thirty-six (36) local roads were
converted through legislation. This year has marked the most number of local roads that
were converted due to the upsurge in the number of road sections that were converted by
virtue of Republic Acts.

In 2014, twenty-four (24) local roads were converted through Administrative Procedure,
having a total road length of 118.01 km; whereas , a total of seven (7) local roads were
converted, through Administrative Procedure in 2015, with an aggregate length of 52.65
km. This is considerably the smallest number of roads converted since the institution of EO
No. 124 in 1987. This decline is mostly due to the fact that there is little scope for
converting any road to National status given that all roads that perform national road
network functions (i.e. those of Primary or Secondary classification) have already been
demarcated as such under the Road Classification System.

Overall, the total length of road sections whose administration have been transferred from
local government units to the national government, from 2009 to 2018, is now 2,621.33 km,
consisting of a total of 240 road sections that were converted for the period cited. All road
sections reclassified from the year 2009 to 2018 are already included in the RBIA database.

The Department’s main focus at this point is developing the Primary and Secondary roads to
serve national road network functions. There is no basis for converting roads that largely
perform local function. Likewise, the Philippine road network is already mature. It is likely
that there are very few cases which can actually warrant a change in classification from local
to national function.

Presented in the succeeding graphs (Figures A and B) are the number and length of roads
converted per year from CY 2009 - 2018.

13
 Length of Converted Roads (Km)

1200
1056.16
1000

800
549.13
600
Length

400 499.62
118.01
87.17
200 52.65 82.05
47.97
67.73 60.79
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
-200
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

FIGURE A

R FIGURE B

The number of local roads subject for reclassification varies considerably based on the
number of proposals endorsed by DEOs and local government units through resolution, as
well as Congress through House Bills. The number of roads that have been converted from
2009 to 2018 are twenty-seven (27), forty (40), nine (9), nine (9), sixty-four (64), twenty-
four (24), seven (7), thirty-three (33), eleven (11) and sixteen (16); having a corresponding
road length of 499.62 km, 1,056.16 km, 67.73 km, 60.79 km, 549.13 km, 118.01 km, 52.65
km, 82.05 km, 87.17 km and 47.97 km, respectively.

14
 Road Sections Percentage of Converted Roads from 2009-2018
30
26.66%
25

20
16.66%
15 13.75%
11.25%
10%
10
6.66%
4.58%
5 3.75% 3.75%
2.91%

0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

FIGURE C

Figure C shows the annual percentage distribution of the number of roads converted in a
period of ten (10) years, from 2009 to 2018. The highest percentage distribution of
converted roads is 26.66% which was in 2013. The lowest is at 2.91% in 2015.

Figure D represents the percentage distribution of the length of converted roads from
2009-2018. In a period of ten (10) years, 40.29% is the highest percentage recorded for the
year 2010, seconded by 20.95% in 2013, followed by 19.06% in 2009, 4.50% in 2014,
3.33% in 2017, 3.13% in 2016, 2.58% in 2011, 2.32% in 2012, 2.01% in 2015 and 1.83%
in 2018.

Road Length Percentage of Converted Roads from 2009-2018

45
40.29%
40
35
30
25 20.95%
19.06%
20
15
10
4.50% 3.33%
5 2.58% 2.32% 2.01% 3.13%
1.83%
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
FIGURE D

Table D below provides a detailed list of local roads converted into national roads for CY
2018.

15
16
 Table E illustrates the number and length of converted roads on a regional basis from the
year 2009 to 2018. It clearly shows that NCR has the most number of road sections that
were converted as there were forty-eight (48) proposed local roads that have passed the
Functional Classification Criteria set by the Department.

Further, the region with the longest aggregate road length that has been converted from
local roads into national roads is Region X at 309.94 km.

V. Analysis of Data

A. National Road Length Per Functional Classification

TABLE G
Annual Increase of National Roads (2008 – 2018)
National National National Annual
Year Primary Secondary Tertiary Total Increase
(km) (km) (km) (km)
2008 15,663.45 13,986.90 - 29,650.36
2009 15,730.56 14,167.53 - 29,898.09 247.73
2010 15,871.91 15,370.47 - 31,242.38 1,344.29
2011 15,986.72 15,372.40 - 31,359.12 116.74
2012 16,056.47 15,541.21 - 31,597.68 238.56
2013 16,078.72 16,148.22 - 32,226.93 629.25
2014 7,060.39 14,051.37 11,414.73 32,526.50 299.57
2015 7,066.74 14,118.49 11,448.14 32,633.37 106.87
2016 7,067.42 14,148.04 11,554.81 32,770.27 136.90
2017 7,066.58 14,248.89 11,552.60 32,868.06 97.79
2018 7,068.23 14,284.60 11,579.88 32,932.71 64.65

Table G provides a summary of the development, in terms of increase in length, of the

Philippine National Road Network from 2008-2018. With the inception of the new Functional
Classification in April 2014, the length of national roads have been apportioned accordingly,
as Primary and Secondary, with the inclusion of National Tertiary Roads.

Growth Rate of National Road Length (2007-2018)

33,500
33,000 0.30% 0.20%
0.33% 0.42%
32,500 0.93%
1.99%
32,000
31,500 0.76%
Road Length

4.50% 0.37%
31,000
30,500
30,000 0.84%
29,500
29,000
28,500
28,000
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
YEAR

FIGURE E
17
 Figure E gives us a clear picture of the growth rate of roads for the same given period. The
rates are 0.84%, 4.50%, 0.37%, 0.76%, 1.99%, 0.93%, 0.33%, 0.42%, 0.30% and 0.20%
for the period of 2009 to 2018. Road length has increased gradually with a remarkable surge
in the year 2010. The increase was attributed to the various local roads converted into
national roads, a total of sixty-three (63) road sections through Republic Acts and nine (9)
road sections through the issuance of Departments Orders, results on the spot check
conducted on newly rehabilitated roads, road realignment, change in congressional and
district boundaries. The gap portion from K1536 + 260 to K1610 + 264, integrated through
the provisions of DO No. 13 dated February 9, 2010 of the Kapalong-Talaingod-San
Fernando-Valencia Road, with a length of 73.65 km under the jurisdiction of the Bukidnon
1st District Engineering Office, was the longest road section to be incorporated in the RBIA
database within the said year.

In 2012, the national road network increased by 238.56 km with a total length of 31,597.68
km. The increase was brought about by the conversion of local roads into national roads,
inclusion of newly improved gap sections, completed flyover and Y-length, modified road
configuration from single to dual carriageway. In the said year, ten (10) Department Orders
were issued reclassifying various local roads into national roads with a length of 60.79
km. On the other hand, thirteen road sections with a total length of 32.66 km were
temporarily deleted from the List of National Roads since they no longer function as to their
purpose. These roads were either impassable due to road cut, collapsed bridges or were
transferred to ARMM jurisdiction.

Based on the most recent data for the year 2018, there has been an increase of 64.65 km or
0.20 % in the total road length attributable to newly-converted road sections, newly
improved gap sections, completed flyover and wye length and modified road configuration
from single to dual carriageway.

The year 2009 has registered a total national road length of 29,898.09 km, while the year
2018 posted 32,932.71 km, recording an increase of 10.15% for the given period. As of
October 15, 2018, Region VI has the longest length of national road with a total length of
3,028.76 km, while NCR has a total road length of 1,162.08 km which is the shortest length
of national roads among the regions in the Philippines.

B. Comparative Regional Yearly Length of National Roads (2010-2018)

The data illustrated in Table 1.2 show the increase or decrease of road length according to
surface type (paved or unpaved) and functional classification in all the regions under the
jurisdiction of the Department. These data give us a clear idea on the state of national roads
in the country from 2010 to 2018. The table provides information that can be used as a
gauge in monitoring the progress of road surface on an annual basis, so as to assess and
compare existing and previous road lengths which are utilized in planning and programming
of the Philippine road network.

18
 These data are very useful information to give support to decision-makers from government
and private sectors on the future plans and programs in their area of concern to spur
economic development in accordance with national development goals and objectives.

The trend shows that from year 2010 to 2018, there has been a relative decrease in the
length of unpaved roads and consequently an increase in the length of paved roads all
throughout the regions in the country. This was due to road improvements attributable to
newly improved gap sections, road sections that were subjected to validation and road
inventory and roads requested for conversion from local road to national road evaluated by
the Department, in its commitment to provide total connectivity of national roads.

As a result of the inclusion of tertiary roads to the national road network, through the
memorandum that was signed by the Secretary in 2014, there has been a notable decrease
in the length of Primary and Secondary roads. Nevertheless, this inclusion has not affected
the aggregate length of national roads since roads tagged as tertiary were merely
reclassified and remain part of the road network.

Likewise, with the dissolution of the Negros Island Region (NIR), pursuant to Executive
Order (E.O.) 38, s.2017, and the reversion of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental
provinces to Regions VI (Western Visayas) and VII (Central Visayas), the length of the road
network in both regions increased but with negligible effect on the total road length of the
Philippine national road network.

C. Road Length and Percentage Per Surface Type

TABLE H
Length and Percentage of National Roads
As of 15 October 2018

Surface Type Length (km) Percentage

Concrete 21,523.26 65.36%
Asphalt 10,099.52 30.67%
Gravel 1,264.49 3.84%
Earth 45.44 0.14%
Total 32,932.71 100.00%

Percentage Distribution per Surface Type

Earth 0.14%

Gravel 3.84%

Asphalt 30.67%

Concrete 65.36%

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00%

FIGURE F
19
 The country’s national road network is predominantly concrete surfacing at 65.36% or
21,523.26 km out of the total length of 32,932.71km. Asphalt roads which comprise
30.67% of the total road network decreased, having a length of 10,099.52 km. Gravel and
earth roads are now 3.84% and 0.14% or 1,264.49 km and 45.44 km, respectively as shown
in FIGURE F.

FIGURE G below shows the percentage of length of national roads based on surface type.
For the year 2018, Region VI has the longest concrete roads among the regions in the
country, with a length of 2,312.54 km, while NCR has the shortest at 440.35 km. Whereas,
Region IV-A has the longest aggregate asphalt road length at 1,593.75 km while Region IV-
B has the shortest asphalt roads with a length of 130.55 km.

Further, it is worth noting that NCR and Region I have the highest ratio of paved roads or
roads composed of concrete or asphalt among all the other regions under the purview of the
Department with zero and nearly zero percent gravel and earth roads, respectively.

FIGURE G

D. Length and Percentage of Paved & Unpaved Roads

TABLE I
For the Period 2009-2018
PAVED UNPAVED
Year Total
Total % Total %
2009 22,468.67 75.15 7,429.42 24.85 29,898.09
2010 24,126.56 77.22 7,115.82 22.78 31,242.38
2011 24,834.38 79.19 6,524.74 20.81 31,359.12
2012 25,443.44 80.52 6,154.24 19.48 31,597.68
2013 26,772.93 83.08 5,454 16.92 32,226.93
2014 27,816.46 85.52 4,710.04 14.48 32,526.50

20
 2015 28,919.17 88.62 3,714.20 11.38 32,633.37
2016 30,009.99 91.58 2,760.27 8.42 32,770.27
2017 31,035.31 94.42 1,832.75 5.58 32,868.06
2018 31,622.78 96.02 1,309.93 3.98 32,932.71

TABLE J
Length and Growth Rate of Paved Roads
For the Period 2009-2018

Growth Rate
Year Length (km)
(%)
2009 22,468.67 3.65
2010 24,126.56 7.38
2011 24,834.38 2.93
2012 25,443.44 2.45
2013 26,772.93 5.23
2014 27,816.46 3.90
2015 28,919.17 3.96
2016 30,009.99 3.77
2017 31,035.31 3.42
2018 31,622.78 1.89

Paved roads in the Philippines steadily increased in the past ten (10) years. TABLE J shows
the growth rate of paved roads in the Philippine national road network from 2009-2018. The
Department has aimed at paving 100% or 31,242 km of the national road network in 2016
from a baseline of 80.9% in 2010 or 25,281 km of paved roads. Through implementation of
right projects, the target outcome has substantially been accomplished at 96.06% or
30,009.99 km of paved roads for the 2016 road network of 32,770.27 km.

In line with the current administration’s mantra to “Build, Build, Build”, the Philippine
government intends to spend around ₱8-9 trillion in infrastructure projects to usher in a
golden age of infrastructure in the Philippines. Government spending on public infrastructure
will be increased from 5.4% of GDP in 2017 to around 7.3% of GDP by 2022. Its
infrastructure plan, which is consistent with the Master Plan on Asean Connectivity, will help
facilitate connectivity of capital, goods, and people; contribute towards increasing trade; and
provide greater access to different markets. Thus, such move shall significantly affect the
Philippine national road network.

21
 FIGURE H

Figure H shows a noticeable increase in paved roads and decrease in unpaved roads in the
country. The line graph shows the yearly increase of paved road and the yearly decrease of
unpaved roads from 2009 to 2018. For the past ten (10) years, there has been an increase
of 9,154.11 km of paved roads in the Philippines and consequently, a decrease by 6,119.49
km of unpaved roads. For the year 2018, out of the 32,932.71 km of national roads,
96.20% is paved and only 3.98% remains unpaved.

FIGURE I

Based on the total national road network as shown in Figure I, National Capital Region
(NCR) has reached the maximum target of 100% with an aggregate length of 1,167.18 km
22
 which is the highest among the sixteen (16) regions that are under the management and
purview of the Department. Conversely, Region IX has the lowest percentage of paved
roads at 85.16% and with a total length of 1,406.52 km.

E. Road Condition

FIGURE J

The graph provides a comparison of the assessed road condition of the national road
network in 2017 with that of 2018. The Visual Road Condition (RoCond) survey is a yearly
activity wherein the condition of the road is being assessed manually. The gathered data is
being utilized as one of the components in running the HDM-4 analysis and for prioritization
of projects. Assessors must hike the stretch of roads in order to visualize all the defects and
come-up with an accurate assessment to ensure the sustainability and viability of the
collected data. The road condition is assessed as “Good”, “Fair”, “Poor” or “Bad”. Good and
fair road conditions are subjected to routine maintenance while poor conditions are due for
rehabilitation and those with bad conditions are recommended for total
reconstruction. However, there are some road sections that were not assessed as they are
either under construction, committed for construction and bridges and/or segments with
lengths below the 50-meter gauging length.

For the year 2018, record shows that out of the 32,932.71 km total length of national road,
43.73 % is in good condition, 30.42% in fair condition, 10.20% in poor condition, 4.67% in
bad condition while 10.97% of the total road network are yet to be assessed.

23
 FIGURE K

As shown in Figure K, for the year 2018, the percentage of good and fair condition at
43.66% and 29.62% of paved roads are higher as compared to the percentage inclusive of
unpaved roads at 0.07% and 0.80%, respectively. Whereas, poor condition of the whole
national road network at 10.20% is higher than that of paved roads at 9.49%. While, the
bad condition for paved roads is 4.39% which is slightly lower than the whole network at
4.67%.

The following Visual Condition Index (VCI) value determines the condition of the segment
assessed:

TABLE K
VCI Range Values
ROAD CONDITION
CONDITION RATING
>70 - 100 Good
>40 - 70 Fair
>20 - 40 Poor
1 – 20 Bad

F. International Roughness Index (IRI)

Roughness data is one of the key parameters for the operation of the Pavement
Management System (PMS) using the HDM-4 software. PMS is used for long-term, medium-
term and annual planning and programming purposes. Likewise, information on roughness
is a vital data set in reporting network performance under the Department’s Performance
Governance System (PGS), which is aligned with the administration’s initiative of coming up
24
with strategic and performance management tools that would allow government agencies to
be assessed objectively, in order to foster transparency and accountability in the different
tiers of the organization.

Reduced roughness is a key driver of economic benefit and therefore is crucial to the
operation of the PMS. In order to address this matter, a nationwide roughness survey of the
paved road network was outsourced.

Since initial inception in 2002, the gathering of the National Road Roughness Index (NRRI)
has been one of the key indicators used in the Pavement Management System (PMS) and
HDM-4 by the DPWH in identifying and quantifying key projects for programming. In
accomplishing the task, the Statistics Division has been leading the collection and
management of the Road Roughness Survey to be able to sustain and support the PMS of
the Department.

Aimed at sustaining the Roughness Data requirements for PMS and HDM-4, the NRRIP II
(Re-bidding) was procured through Consulting Services in 2016. The project was awarded to
RoadKorea Inc. in joint venture Cybersoft Integrated Geoinformatics Inc. (RKI jv CIGI). The
project, which started on 26 January 2017 was completed as scheduled on 25 September
2017. The project was expected to deliver 7,048,929 meters of Roughness Data along the
Nation’s Primary Road Network in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII,
CAR and NCR. However, actual accomplishments showed roughness data acceptance
totaling 7,000.281 meters of IRI Data.

The Department, through the SD, PS has been manually conducting Road Condition
Assessment Survey annually in coordination with the District and Regional Engineering
Offices nationwide. Results generated from the said activity were used to support the
requirements for PMS and HDM-4 activities and processes. In 2017, initiatives to improve
the system came to order through semi-automation of portions of the said survey program.
Hence, in line with the said trusts, the outsourcing of the semi-automated Visual Road
Condition Assessment Program (VRCAP) went underway as a pilot project in 2017.

The program was procured through Bids and Awards Committee, Consulting Services.
RoadKorea Inc. in joint venture Cybersoft Integrated Geoinformatics Inc. was awarded, the
winning bidder from an initially failed procurement bid in 2016. The project which covers a
total of 14,112.511 km of Primary Roads Nationwide in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, VI, VII,
VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, CAR and NCR, has a project cost of 41,525,188.08. The program
started at 26 January 2017, however, the ten (10) month program duration which was
expected to end on 26 November was extended until 03 February 2018, due to unexpected
turn of events beyond the control of the project. This include, peace and order situations
attributed to the siege of Maute Groups in Marawi City in Region X (10 days), additional
holidays declared through Proclamation No. 50 (10.5 days), adjustment and transitory
period on Quality Assurance Checking of Statistics Division Staff (28 days), and others (6
days).

25
 Percentage of 2018 International Roughness Index (IRI) on
Paved Roads
0.4
35.33%
0.35 32.89%

0.3

0.25 23.80%

0.2

0.15

0.1 7.98%

0.05

0
Good Fair Poor Bad

FIGURE L

As shown in the chart (Figure L), out of the national roads with roughness data; 35.33% is
in good condition, 32.89% in fair condition, 23.80% in poor condition, and 7.98% is in bad
condition. Segments of the roads with an average IRI of 1-3 are in “good” condition, >3-5
in “fair” condition, >5-7 in “poor” condition and >7 in “bad” condition.

FIGURE M

26
 Shown in the graph (Figure M) is the summary of Average IRI per Region. It shows that
Region V has the smoothest road surface, having an average IRI of 3.13. Out of the
458.18 km of surveyed roads in the said region, 58.87% are in good condition, 28.06% are
in fair condition, 9.56% are in poor condition and 3.51% in bad condition. This can be
attributed to the number of newly constructed roads in the region. On the other hand, CAR
registered the poorest average condition, having an IRI of 5.84. Out of the 89.91 km of
surveyed paved roads, 13.38% are in good condition, 15.54% are in fair condition, 42.74%
fall under the category of poor and 28.34% are in bad condition. The unsatisfactory
roughness condition of the roads in CAR is attributed to its mountainous terrains that are
prone to landslides and soil erosions. It is also difficult to control the surface runoff during
rains which cause road damages.

G. Road Density

Road density pertains to the ratio of the length of the country's total road network to the
country's land area. The road network includes all roads in the country: motorways,
highways, main or national roads, secondary or regional roads, and other urban and rural
roads. It is considered as an appropriate index of human activity and land-use intensity.
Thus, road density is generally highly-correlated with amount of developed land surface.

A well-developed road transport sector, most especially in developing countries, is assumed

to fuel up the growth process through a variety of activities of the development endeavors
of a nation. Among these, creation of market access opportunities for agricultural products
is the most crucial.

Road transport facilities play a significant role in both the production and consumption
decisions of every household in their day-to-day activities. Besides, road transport facilities
are essential for expanding education, health service provision, trade furtherance – both
within the country and the export market, and better public as well as private service
provisions, including banking and insurance services, to the poor and marginalized rural
dweller. Likewise, roads serve as key infrastructural units, which provide linkages to other
modes of transportation like railways, shipping, and air network. Hence, it is imperative that
we consider all the factors necessary in coming up with the optimum plan to improve road
infrastructure, one of which is road density.

Table 11 as illustrated in page 77 provides a rundown of the road density of the country in
the regional and national level for the year 2009-2018. It encompasses the national primary,
secondary and tertiary roads; with the exclusion, however, of local roads, under the
jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In terms of road density, for the current year, the National Capital Region (NCR) has 188.39
km of roads per square kilometer of land area whereas CALABARZON, the region with the
second highest road density, has only 15.34 kilometer per square kilometer. Cagayan Valley
has the lowest road density at 6.65 kilometers per square kilometer. Higher income local
government units are better able to provide the road network needed in the local areas.
Overall, the Philippines’ road density is 10.59 kilometers per square kilometers.

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