A fresh start is on the horizon for the Malabog flyover in Daraga, Albay. After years of frustrating delays, the Department of Public Works and Highways is preparing to re-bid the project, aiming to finally alleviate the growing traffic woes plaguing the region.
The original contractor, Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., is being removed from the project. Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon announced the formal termination and a planned February bidding, with a hopeful completion timeline of just over a year – a significant push to resolve the long-standing issue.
Since its commencement in 2021, the flyover has become a source of daily frustration for commuters. The congestion stretches from the newly opened Bicol International Airport all the way to the vital Maharlika Highway, impacting travel and local commerce.
The initial contract, worth P58.63 million, was awarded in 2024 to a joint venture including Alpha & Omega and Next Generation Construction and Supply Corp. It was funded through the 2021 national budget, with a stipulated completion timeframe of just 220 calendar days – a deadline that was dramatically missed.
The stalled project highlights broader trends in infrastructure development. Companies linked to Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya, including Alpha & Omega and St. Timothy Construction, have been prominent recipients of substantial flood control contracts since 2022, raising questions about project delivery and oversight.
The re-bidding represents a critical opportunity to get the Malabog flyover back on track. Residents and travelers alike are eagerly anticipating a swift and successful completion, hoping to finally experience the benefits of a modern, efficient transportation solution.
