PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK

I. Road Classification
A number of laws and orders have been passed regarding the classification of roads in
the country. The first comprehensive reference to a Road Classification System is found
in Executive Order (E.O) No. 483, s. 1951, “Establishing the Classification of Roads”, for
the purpose of classifying and establishing the limits of public roads and fixing the
responsibility for the proper maintenance of the roads built or to be built, and upon the
recommendation of the National Transportation Board.

Following the implementation of E.O. No. 483, s. 1951, an Act to provide for an effective
highway administration, modify apportionment of highway funds, give aid to the
provinces, chartered cities, and municipalities in the construction of roads and streets,
and for other purposes, Republic Act (R.A.) No. 917, known as the "Philippine Highway
Act of nineteen hundred fifty-three" was enacted. As provided in Section 26, Article VIII
of said R.A., the classification of roads established through E.O. 483, s. 1951, was revised
taking into consideration the military highway needs of the Philippines and including
“secondary systems of national and of "national aid" provincial and city or municipal
roads to assure continuity and articulation in the entire integrated system”.

Subsequently, in 1955, E.O. No. 113, s. 1955, "Establishing the Classification of Roads,"
was implemented pursuant to the provisions of Section 26, Article VIII of R.A. No. 917
in 1953. Said Order established the criteria for the two (2) classifications of national
roads: national primary roads and national secondary roads, as well as for "national aid"
roads, defined as those provincial and city roads of sufficient importance that may be
incorporated eventually into the national system of highways.

In 1987, by virtue of E.O. No. 124, s. 1987, the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), through the Secretary, was given the power to classify roads and
highways based on “objective criteria it shall adopt” 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 10,000km of national roads to the local government units (LGU’s) but said handover
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 their 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.
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On 14 April 2014, a memorandum was issued by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson regarding
the new Road Classification System as well as the Route Numbering System (RNS) to all
primary roads that have been extended to secondary roads at present. These Road
Classification and Route Numbering System were then implemented and incorporated in
the Road and Bridge Information Application (RBIA) in compliance with the said
memorandum. The current classification system and the criteria for each road
classification are provided in Table A, per Department Order (D.O.) No. 133, s. 2018.

Table A. Current Classification System

Road
Road Functional Classification Criteria
Classification
National Roads
• A contiguous length of significant road sections extending linearly
National without any breaks or forks that connect major cities (at least
Primary Roads around 100,000 population) comprising the main trunk line or the
backbone of the national road system.
• Directly connect cities to national primary roads, except in
metropolitan areas
• Directly connect maior ports and major ferry terminals to national
primary roads
National • Directly connect major airports to national primary roads
Secondary • Directly connect tourist service centers to national primary roads
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
• Bypass/Diversion Roads – Roads that divert through traffic away
Applicable only from the city/municipality business centers (with affirmative
for Primary feasibility study)
and Secondary • Roads that would connect or fill the gap between adjoining
Roads national roads (protruding) to form a continuous national road
network.
National • Other existing roads under DPWH which perform a local
Tertiary Road function
Local Roads
• Connect cities and municipalities without traversing National
Provincial Roads.
Roads • Connect National Roads to barangays through rural areas.
• Connect to major provincial government infrastructure.
• Roads within a Poblacion
• Roads that connect to Provincial and National Roads
Municipal and
• Roads that provide inter-barangay connections to major
City Roads
Municipal and City Infrastructure without traversing Provincial
Roads
Barangay • Other Public Roads (officially turned over to LGUs) within the
Roads barangay and not covered in the above definitions
• Highways with limited access, normally with interchanges; may
Expressways include facilities for levying tolls for passage in an open or closed
system.
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Instead of transferring 10,000 km of national roads to the local government (city and
municipality) per the recommendation of the TWG established in April 2002,
modifications have been made to the new classification with the inclusion of the
"National Tertiary Roads" classification. Further, no route numbers were assigned to
tertiary roads, as they merely function as local roads.

II. Route Numbering System

Along with a new Functional Classification, a RNS was established in line with the
Department's efforts to improve planning and management of the National Road
Network. The RNS is introduced to simplify and rationalize navigation along those
National Roads classified as Primary or Secondary. 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 onto
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/rbi, which is also the official source of this
information.
The RNS has been devised for Primary Roads, Secondary Roads, and Expressways at
present and may be expanded to Tertiary Roads at a later date (Please refer to Table
B).
Table B. Route Numbering System
Road Classification Route Numbering
Nos. N1 to N49 for the "main" routes or corridors, i.e. those
connecting three (3) or more cities
National Primary
Nos. N50 to N99 for other primary routes connecting two
(2) cities
National Secondary N100 to N999
National Tertiary (Not Applicable)
Expressways E1, E2, E3, etc.
Note: The ‘N’ and ‘E’ before the number stands for National and Expressways, respectively.

National Primary Roads are numbered differently depending on the number of cities
they connect. Route Numbers N1 to N49 are used for “main” routes or corridors that
connect three (3) or more cities. Whereas, Route Numbers N50 to N99 are for other
National Primary Roads connecting two (2) cities. This is strictly for convention purposes
but also aids in distinguishing the nature and function of roads.

National Secondary Roads are numbered from N100 to N999, wherein the following
general principles or guidelines are applied:

II-1. The first digit of the National Secondary Roads corresponds to the number of the
Primary Road to which it connects, if any. Thus, for example, Secondary Road No.
N211 connects to Primary Road, N2 (Please refer to Figure 1).

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 Figure 1. Case One (1) Example for Secondary Roads

II-2. If a Secondary Road connects to two (2) Primary Roads, then the first digit of the
Secondary Road corresponds to the first digit of the lowest numbered Primary
Road. Thus, for example, if a Secondary Road connects Primary Road Nos. 2 and
55, then the first digit of the Secondary Road would be 2 (Please refer to Figure
2). Likewise, in Figure 3, the lowest numbered Primary Route is 1, thus, the first
digit of the Secondary Route would be 1.

Figure 2. Case Two (2) Example for Secondary Roads Figure 3. Case Two (2) Example for Secondary Roads

II-3. As shown in Figure 4, “Major” Secondary Roads such as those which can easily be
identified as more significant thoroughfares have been numbered in multiples of
10 (e.g. 860 for Siquijor, 870 for Camiguin, and so on).

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 Siquijor Circumferential Road Camiguin Circumferential Road

Secondary Route No. “860” Secondary Route No. “870”

860

870

870

860

LEGEND:
Primary Road
Secondary Road
Tertiary Road

Figure 4. Case Three (3) Example for Secondary Roads

II-4. Gaps in the numbering system have been left to allow future expansion of the
national road network in the area. Thus, for example, Route No. 412 can be
followed by Route No. 420, leaving a gap for Route Nos. 413 - 419 for future use.

II-5. As depicted in Figure 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 Catanduanes are numbered in the 65 series (i.e. 650,651, etc.).
Note that, at this point, it has not been possible to apply these guidelines strictly
in certain cases especially in dense parts of the network such as in the National
Capital Region.

Figure 5. Case Four (4) Example for Secondary Roads

The Route Numbering for Expressways are continuous and prefixed with the letter "E,"
which implies a different design and standard of road.

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In the future, it will be necessary to add new routes. 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 the Primary and Secondary Roads.

At present, it is elusive to develop a detailed procedure for numbering routes since each
situation must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The current route numbers,
however, are expected to evolve over time as the network develops. This can be
achieved through reviews undertaken on a holistic basis for a periodic six-year cycle,
wherein the road network is considered in its entirety rather than in a disjointed manner.

III. Road Conversion

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

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

In accordance with Section 5 (i) of E.O. No. 124, s. 1987, “Reorganizing the Department
of Public Works and Highways, Redefining its Powers and Functions, and for Other
Purposes”, 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, 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 in order to carry out its mandate”.

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

Roads can be converted in three ways: executive, legislative, and administrative means.
For executive and legislative means, the PS essentially provides comments and
recommendations on various House Bills requested by the Committee on Public Works,
House of Representatives, and/or Senate in consonance with the Department’s Criteria
on Road Functional Classification. During the hearings conducted by these committees,
the Director and staff from PS usually represent DPWH if the Secretary is not available.
The President of the Philippines then converts local roads to national roads by enforcing
the legislation that the Congress passed upon the Department's recommendation.

For administrative means, the local roads proposed for conversion into national roads
by the proponents [i.e., Local Government Unit (LGU), Regional Offices (ROs), District
Engineering Offices (DEOs)] shall be subjected to the criteria and guidelines set per D.O.
No. 133, s. 2018. Said roads should satisfy at least one of the DPWH Road Functional
Classification Criteria and conform to the Technical Requirements and Standards for a
national road.

The request/proposal for conversion of a local road (provincial, municipal, city, or

barangay road) into a national road or vice-versa shall be submitted to the DPWH
Secretary, through the Undersecretary for Planning and PPP, by the concerned DPWH
Regional Director supported by the following documents:
• Resolution from the City/Municipal/Provincial Board requesting the conversion of a
local road into a national road (Absolute Requirement);
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• Endorsement from the DPWH Regional Office (Those initially evaluated meritoriously
by the Regional Planning and Design Division (RPDD) should be endorsed.); and
• Map showing the location of the road indicating its start and end limits, network
connectivity and national importance.

If the road is evaluated to be meritorious for conversion, the following technical

requirements shall be submitted/complied before a road can be processed and converted
into a national road:

• Proof of acquisition of the required minimum 20-meter road right-of-way (RROW)

per E.O. 254, Series of 1987 (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;
• 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;
• Certification from the concerned Registry of Deeds and/or DENR to ensure the DPWH
that there will be no expense from its part for any claims for the payment of RROW
that may arise therefrom;
• Certification from the District Engineer concerned that the road for conversion is
within the DPWH’s standards of the minimum 20-meter RROW, with carriageway
width of at least 6 meters with gravel surfacing and in maintainable condition.

If these conditions are complied with, a D.O. will be issued by the DPWH Secretary
converting the local road into a national 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 C. Number and Length of Converted Roads for CY 2013-2022

CONVERSION PROCESS
YEAR NUMBER/LENGTH TOTAL
R.A. D.O.
Number 37 27 64
2013
Length (km) 443.86 105.27 549.13
Number 0 24 24
2014
Length (km) 0 118.01 118.01
Number 0 7 7
2015
Length (km) 0 52.65 52.65
Number 0 33 33
2016
Length (km) 0 82.05 82.05
Number 0 11 11
2017
Length (km) 0 87.17 87.17
Number 0 16 16
2018
Length (km) 0 48.02 48.02
Number 0 14 14
2019
Length (km) 0 73.74 73.74
Number 1 11 12
2020
Length (km) 5.60 37.38 42.98

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 CONVERSION PROCESS
YEAR NUMBER/LENGTH TOTAL
R.A. D.O.
Number 4 3 7
2021
Length (km) 75.54 39.64 115.18
Number 0 11 11
2022
Length (km) 0 134.08 134.08
Grand Number 42 157 199
Total Length (km) 525 778.01 1,303.01

Table C illustrates the number and length of converted roads per year through
Legislative and Administrative procedures from CY 2013 to CY 2022.

Overall, the total length of road sections whose administration has been transferred from
local government units to the national government from CY 2013 to CY 2022 is now
1,303.01 km, comprised entirely of one hundred ninety-nine (199) road sections, of
which forty-two (42) and one hundred fifty-seven (157) road sections were converted
through R.A.s and Department Orders, respectively, for the period cited. All road sections
reclassified from that period are already included in the RBIA database.

Figure 6. Length of Converted Roads (km) per Year from

CY 2013 to CY 2022
600 549.13

500
400
300
200 134.08
118.01 115.18
82.05 87.17 73.74
100 52.65 48.02 42.98
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Length

Figure 7. Number of Converted Roads per Year from

CY 2013 to CY 2022
70 64
60

50

40 33
30 24
20 16 14
11 12 11
10 7 7

0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Number

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 The number of local roads subject for conversion varies considerably based on the
number of requests endorsed by proponents (i.e. DEOs, ROs, Congress and LGUs)
through memorandum, letter, resolution, or House and Senate Bills. The number of
roads that have been converted from CY 2013 to CY 2022 are sixty-four (64), twenty-
four (24), seven (7), thirty-three (33), eleven (11), sixteen (16), fourteen (14), twelve
(12), seven (7), and eleven (11), having a corresponding road length of 549.13 km,
118.01 km, 52.65 km, 82.05 km, 87.17 km, 48.02 km, 73.74 km, 42.98 km, 115.18 km,
and 134.08 km, respectively (Please refer to Figures 6 and 7).

With the significant increase in length of national roads in the country, from a mere
115.18 km in 2021 to 134.08 km in 2022, reflecting a 16.41% increase, it indicates that
the Philippine national road network is considerably progressing.

Figure 8. Percent Distribution on Length (km) of Converted Roads

for a Ten (10) - Year Period
(CY 2013 to 2022)
45.00% 42.14%
40.00%
35.00%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
9.06% 8.84% 10.29%
10.00% 6.30% 6.69% 5.66%
4.04% 3.69% 3.30%
5.00%
0.00%
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Figure 9. Percentage Distribution on Number of Converted Roads

for a Ten (10) - Year Period
(CY 2013 to CY 2022)
35.00% 32.16%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00% 16.58%
15.00% 12.06%
10.00% 8.04% 7.04%
5.53% 6.03% 5.53%
5.00% 3.52% 3.52%

0.00%
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9 are the percentage distribution per year on length
(km) and number of converted roads for a ten (10) – year period (CY 2013 – CY 2022),
respectively.

It was observed that based on the foregoing figures, the highest length of converted
roads happened in the year 2013, followed by the year 2022 at 42.14% and 10.29%,
respectively (Please refer to Figure 8). Whereas, the highest number of road sections
converted transpired in the year 2013, preceded by the year 2016 at 32.16% and
16.58%, respectively (Please refer to Figure 9).
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 Table D. Newly Integrated Road Sections in the RBIA for CY 2022

Listed in Table D are the thirty-two (32) recently integrated road sections in the RBIA in
CY 2022 with their corresponding section IDs and length. The detailed technical data
(e.g. road classification, road condition, number of lanes, carriageway width, surface
type) on each road section can be found on the GIS Web Apps under Road and Bridge

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Inventory on the DPWH Website through this link:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/gis/rbi
Table E. Summary of Newly Converted Local Roads into National Roads
By Number of Roads and Length per Region for CY 2013-2022

The NCR has the most road sections converted from local roads to national roads over
a ten-year period (CY 2013 to CY 2022), with forty-two (42). Whereas, Region IX has
the least number of road sections converted into national roads for the said period, with
only two (2). Furthermore, Region II gained the highest length of converted local roads
for the said period with 162.05 km, while the Negros Island Region (NIR), a short-lived
administrative region in the Philippines that comprised the provinces of Negros
Occidental and Negros Oriental, both of which cover the island of Negros and existed
from 2015 to 2017, has the lowest length of converted local roads with 4.07 km (Please
refer to Table E).

IV. 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.

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

Table F. Requirement for the Creation Of DEOs

Parameters Minimum Requirement
National Road Length 100 Kilometers
Land Area 100 Square Kilometers
Population 250,000 inhabitants
For Island Component Municipality 35,000 inhabitants

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

Table G. Parameter For DEO Classification

Equivalent Road Length (km) DEO Class
250 And Above 1st Class
100 Up To < 250 2nd Class
< 100 3rd Class

Under its present set-up, DPWH has one hundred eighty-seven (187) existing Regular
DEOs, four (4) Sub-DEOs and 16 Regional Offices (ROs) making up contiguous
component municipalities established through administrative orders and other forms of
legislation.

Significant developments have taken place for the year in consideration, specifically with
the establishment of Davao del Norte Sub-DEO, Bulacan Sub-DEO, and Bukidnon Sub-
DEO per D.O. Nos. 66, 212, and 247, s. 2022, respectively. Furthermore, three (3)
regular DEOs, namely, Iligan City DEO, Zamboanga del Norte 4th DEO, and Davao de
Oro 2nd DEO, were created following the passage of R.As and were subsequently
implemented throughout the Department in CY 2022 for information dissemination.

The classification of a DEO determines its staffing pattern or workforce as set 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, seventy-nine
(79), ninety-eight (98), and ten (10) DEOs are under the aforementioned classification,
respectively. As a result, there are a total of one hundred eighty-seven (187) DEO
nationwide as of December 2022 (Please refer to Table H).

Table H. Number of DEOs per Classification by Region

First Second Third
Region Total
Class Class Class
CAR 3 9 0 12
NCR 4 3 2 9
I 5 5 0 10
II 6 4 1 11
III 6 6 2 14
IV-A 4 12 0 16
IV-B 6 2 0 8
V 4 10 1 15
VI 7 8 0 15
VII 2 13 0 15
VIII 7 6 0 13
IX 3 6 1 10
X 5 5 3 13
XI 8 1 0 9
XII 6 2 0 8
XIII 3 6 0 9
Total 79 98 10 187
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Table I contains an updated list of existing DEOs and ROs, as well as their respective
office locations including the five (5) Project Management Offices (PMOs) under the
DPWH Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), created in 2021, which shall handle the direct
implementation of all DPWH national infrastructure projects for BARMM funded thru
General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Table I. List of District Engineering Offices (DEOs) and Office Location

Region District Engineering Office Office Location

Rizal St., Zone 7,
Abra District Engineering Office
Bangued, Abra
Apayao 1st District Engineering Office Conner, Apayao
San Isidro Sur, Luna,
Apayao 2nd District Engineering Office
Apayao
Engineer's Hill, Baguio
Baguio City District Engineering Office
City
Wangal, La Trinidad,
Benguet 1st District Engineering Office
Cordillera Benguet
Administrati Natubleng, Buguias,
Benguet 2nd District Engineering Office
ve Region Benguet
(CAR) Poblacion North,
Engineer's Ifugao 1st District Engineering Office
Lagawe, Ifugao
Hill, Baguio
City Galunugon, Aguinaldo,
Ifugao 2nd District Engineering Office
Ifugao
Purok 6, Brgy. Bulanao,
Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office
Tabuk City, Kalinga
Mountain Province 1st District Engineering Lower Caluttit, Bontoc,
Office Mountain Province
Mountain Province 2nd District Bontoc, Mountain
Engineering Office Province
Upper Kalinga District Engineering Office Pasil, Kalinga
DPWH NCR Compound,
Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering
2nd Street, Port Area,
Office
Mla.
Malabon-Navotas District Engineering C-4 Road, Bagumbayan
Office North, Navotas City
National West Bank Road,
Metro Manila 1st District Engineering
Capital Manggahan Floodway,
Office
Region Rosario, Pasig City
(NCR) Dr. A. Santos Ave.
2nd St., Port Metro Manila 2nd District Engineering corner West Service
Area, Manila Office Access Road, Sucat
Parañaque City
APDC-Compound, R.
Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering
Valenzuela Extension,
Office
Marulas, Valenzuela City
North Manila District Engineering Office Nagtahan, Manila

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 Region District Engineering Office Office Location
8th Street, corner
South Manila District Engineering Office Bonifacio Drive, Port
Area, Manila
Sta. Catalina St. Brgy.
Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office
Holy Spirit, Quezon City
Quezon City 2nd District Engineering
790 EDSA, Quezon City
Office
Airport Avenue, Cavit,
Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineering Office
Laoag City
Ilocos Norte 2nd District Engineering San Nicolas, Ilocos
Office Norte
Ilocos Sur 1st District Engineering Office Bantay, Ilocos Sur
Region I Ilocos Sur 2nd District Engineering Office Candon, Ilocos Sur
Aguila Road, Lingsat,San Fernando
Sevilla, San La Union 1st District Engineering Office
City, La Union
Fernando City,
La Union La Union 2nd District Engineering Office Naguilian, La Union
Pangasinan 1st District Engineering Office Alaminos City
Pangasinan 2nd District Engineering Office Lingayen, Pangasinan
Tumana, Rosales,
Pangasinan 3rd District Engineering Office
Pangasinan
Pangasinan 4th District Engineering Office Sta Barbara, Pangasinan
Batanes District Engineering Office Basco, Batanes
Cagayan 1st District Engineering Office Aparri, Cagayan
Libertad, Abulug,
Cagayan 2nd District Engineering Office
Cagayan
Tuguegarao City,
Region II Cagayan 3rd District Engineering Office
Cagayan
Regional
Isabela 1st District Engineering Office Ilagan, Isabela
Government
Center, Carig Isabela 2nd District Engineering Office Roxas, Isabela
Sur Isabela 3rd District Engineering Office Cauayan City, Isabela
Tuguegarao
City, Cagayan Isabela 4th District Engineering Office San Isidro, Isabela
Bayombong, Nueva
Nueva Vizcaya District Engineering Office
Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya 2nd District Engineering Malasin, Dupax del
Office Norte, Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino District Engineering Office Cabarroguis, Quirino
Brgy. Reserva, Baler,
Aurora District Engineering Office
Aurora
Bataan 1st District Engineering Office Orani, Bataan
Bataan 2nd District Engineering Office Balanga, Bataan
Region III Tikay, City of Malolos,
Sindalan, San Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office
Bulacan
Fernando,
Pampanga Pulong Buhangin, Sta.
Bulacan 2nd District Engineering Office
Maria, Bulacan
Graceville Subdivision,
Bulacan Sub District Engineering Office Brgy. Tambubong, San
Rafael Bulacan

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 Region District Engineering Office Office Location
Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office Talavera, Nueva Ecija
San Isidro, Cabanatuan
Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office
City, Nueva Ecija
Sindalan, City of San
Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office
Fernando, Pampanga
San Nicolas, Lubao,
Pampanga 2nd District Engineering Office
Pampanga
Angeles City, Pampanga
Pampanga 3rd District Engineering Office (former Pampanga Sub-
Engineering District)
Parsolingan,Gerona,
Tarlac District Engineering Office
Tarlac
Brgy. San Francisco,
Tarlac 2nd District Engineering Office
Concepcion, Tarlac
Zambales 1st District Engineering Office Iba, Zambales
Sitio Baring, San
Zambales 2nd District Engineering Office Nicolas, Castillejos,
Zambales
Batangas 1st District Engineering Office Batangas City
Kumintang Ilaya,
Batangas 2nd District Engineering Office
Batangas City
J. Gonzales St.,
Batangas 3rd District Engineering Office
Tanauan City, Batangas
Batangas 4th District Engineering Office Lipa City, Batangas
Capitol Compound,
Cavite 1st District Engineering Office
Trece Martirez City
Manggas II, Alfonso,
Cavite 2nd District Engineering Office
Cavite
Cavite 3rd District Engineering Office Carmona, Cavite
Manuel L. Quezon Ave.,
Region IV-A
Canlubang Laguna 1st District Engineering Office Brgy. Callios, Sta. Cruz,
Interchange, Laguna
Brgy. Mayapa, Brgy. Bambang, Los
Calamba City, Laguna 2nd District Engineering Office
Baños, Laguna
Laguna
San Pablo City (former
Laguna 3rd District Engineering Office Laguna Sub-Engineering
District)
Quezon 1st District Engineering Office Lucban, Quezon
Dalahican Road, Lucena
Quezon 2nd District Engineering Office
City
Quezon 3rd District Engineering Office Catanauan, Quezon
Barangay Isabang,
Quezon 4th District Engineering Office
Lucena City
Rizal 1st District Engineering Office Binangonan, Rizal
No. 16 Westbank Rd.,
Rizal 2nd District Engineering Office
Rosario, Pasig City
Bangbangalon, Boac,
Marinduque District Engineering Office
Marinduque
15
 Region District Engineering Office Office Location
Mindoro Occidental District Engineering Mamburao, Mindoro
Office Occidental
Mindoro Oriental District Engineering Calapan City, Mindoro
Office Oriental
Region IV-B Palawan 1st District Engineering Office Roxas, Palawan
EDSA, Quezon Brgy.Antipuluan, Narra
City
Palawan 2nd District Engineering Office
Palawan
Palawan 3rd District Engineering Office Puerto Princesa City
Romblon District Engineering Office Odiongan, Romblon
Southern Mindoro District Engineering
Roxas, Mindoro Oriental
Office
Airport Site, Legaspi
Albay 1st District Engineering Office
City
Airport Site, Legaspi
Albay 2nd District Engineering Office
City
Albay 3rd District Engineering Office Paulog, Ligao city
Camarines Norte District Engineering F. Pimentel Avenue,
Office Daet, Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur 1st District Engineering Baras, Canaman,
Office Camarines Sur
Camarines Sur 2nd District Engineering
Ragay, Camarines Sur
Office
Region V Camarines Sur 3rd District Engineering Canaman, Camarines
Rawis, Legaspi Office Sur
City
Camarines Sur 4th District Engineering
Tigaon, Camarines Sur
Office
Camarines Sur 5th District Engineering
Baao, Camarines Sur
Office
Catanduanes District Engineering Office Virac, Catanduanes
Masbate 1st District Engineering Office San Fernando, Masbate
Masbate 2nd District Engineering Office Masbate City
Dimasalang, Masbate
Masbate 3rd District Engineering Office
City
Sorsogon District Engineering Office Sorsogon City
Sorsogon 2nd District Engineering Office Gubat, Sorsogon
Aklan District Engineering Office Kalibo, Aklan
Antique District Engineering Office San Jose, Antique
Bacolod City District Engineering Office Bacolod City
Capiz 1st District Engineering Office Roxas City
Region VI Capiz 2nd District Engineering Office Dumalag, Capiz
Fort San Guimaras District Engineering Office Jordan, Guimaras
Pedro, Iloilo Fort San Pedro, Iloilo
City Iloilo 1st District Engineering Office
City
Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office Balabag, Dumangas
Iloilo 3rd District Engineering Office Barotac, Viejo
Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
Iloilo City District Engineering Office Iloilo City

16
 Region District Engineering Office Office Location
Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Talisay City, Negros
Office Occidental
Negros Occidental 2nd District Engineering Binalbagan,Negros
Office Occidental
Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Kabankalan , Negros
Office Occidental
Negros Occidental 4th District Engineering Bago City, Negros
Office Occidental
Center Mall Building, FC
Negros Occidental Sub-District Engineering Ledesma Avenue, San
Office Carlos City, Negros
Occidental
Bohol 1st District Engineering Office Dao,Tagbilaran City
Bohol 2nd District Engineering Office Ubay, Bohol
Sawang, Guindulman ,
Bohol 3rd District Engineering Office
Bohol
Cebu 1st District Engineering Office Medellin, Cebu
Lawa-an, Talisay City,
Cebu 2nd District Engineering Office
Cebu
Cebu 3rd District Engineering Office Ibo, Toledo City, Cebu
Cebu 4th District Engineering Office Dalaguete, Cebu
Region VII 7th RES Compound, V.
Cebu 5th District Engineering Office
South Road Sotto St., Cebu City
Properties, A.C. Cortes
Cebu City Cebu 6th District Engineering Office
Avenue,Mandaue City
Cebu 7th District Engineering Office Cogon, Dumanjug, Cebu
Cebu City District Engineering Office V. Sotto St., Cebu City
Negros Oriental 1st District Engineering Guinhulngan, Negros
Office Oriental
Negros Oriental 2nd District Engineering Dumaguete City, Negros
Office Oriental
Negros Oriental 3rd District Engineering
Siaton, Negros Oriental
Office
Siquijor District Engineering Office Larena, Siquijor
Biliran District Engineering Office Naval, Biliran
Borongan, Eastern
Eastern Samar District Engineering Office
Samar
Leyte 1st District Engineering Office Tacloban City
Barugohay Central
Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office
Carigara, Leyte
Region VIII
Government Leyte 3rd District Engineering Office Villaba, Leyte
Center, Baras, Leyte 4th District Engineering Office Ormoc City
Palo, Leyte
Leyte 5th District Engineering Office Baybay, Leyte
Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Catarman, Northern
Office Samar
Northern Samar 2nd District Engineering Brgy. Buradub, Laoang
Office Northern Samar
Samar 1st District Engineering Office Calbayog City
17
Region District Engineering Office Office Location
Brgy. Guindapunan,
Samar 2nd District Engineering Office
Catbalogan, Samar
Southern Leyte District Engineering Office Maasin, Southern Leyte
Tacloban City District Engineering Office Tacloban City
Tabuk, Isabela City,
Isabela City District Engineering Office
Basilan
Divisoria, Zamboanga
Zamboanga City District Engineering Office
City
Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Sta. Isabel Dipolog City,
Engineering Office Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Osukan, Labason,
Engineering Office Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte 3rd District Segabe, Piñan,
Region IX Engineering Office Zamboanga del Norte
Tetuan,
Zamboanga Zamboanga del Norte 4th District Siocon, Zamboanga Del
City Engineering Office Norte
Zamboanga del Sur 1st District
Pagadian City
Engineering Office
Zamboanga del Sur 2nd District Guipos, Zamboanga del
Engineering Office Sur
Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Diplahan, Zamboanga-
Engineering Office Sibugay
Ipil, Zamboanga-
Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd District
Sibugay, Zamboanga
Engineering Office
del Sur
Bukidnon 1st District Engineering Office Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Bukidnon 2nd District Engineering Office Pinamaloy, Bukidnon
Dicklum Manolo Fortich,
Bukidnon 3rd District Engineering Office
Bukidnon
Bukidnon Sub District Engineering Office To be determined
Cagayan de Oro City 1st District Bulua, Cagayan De Oro
Engineering Office City
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Puntod, Cagayan de Oro
Engineering Office City
Camiguin District Engineering Office Mambajao, Camiguin
Region X Lanao del Norte 1st District Engineering Seminary Drive, Del
Bulua, Office Carmen, Iligan City
Cagayan de
Oro City
Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Seminary Drive Del
Office Carmen, Iligan City
Iligan City, Lanao del
Iligan City District Engineering Office
Norte
Misamis Occidental 1st District Engineering
Oroquieta City
Office
Misamis Occidental 2nd District
Tangub City
Engineering Office
Misamis Oriental 1st District Engineering
Purok 26, Gingoog City
Office
Misamis Oriental 2nd District Engineering Balase St., El Salvador
Office City
18
 Region District Engineering Office Office Location
Humabon St., Purok 18
Davao de Oro 1st District Engineering
Poblacion Nabunturan,
Office
Compostela Valley
Davao de Oro 2nd District Engineering Compostela, Davao de
Office Oro
L.M. Guerrero St.,
Davao City District Engineering Office
Davao City
Tirol St., Tugbok, Davao
Davao City 2nd District Engineering Office
City
Km.48 Brgy.
Region XI Davao del Norte District Engineering Office Canocotan,Tagum City
Ramon Davao del Norte
Magsaysay
Avenue, Davao Davao del Norte Sub-District Engineering Carmen, Davao del
City Office Norte
Lapu-Lapu St., Brgy.
Davao del Sur District Engineering Office Zone 3, Digos City,
Davao del Sur
National Highway, Brgy.
Davao Occidental District Engineering
Buhangin, Malita, Davao
Office
del Sur
Davao Oriental 1st District Engineering Baganga, Davao
Office Oriental
Davao Oriental 2nd District Engineering Mati-ao, City of Mati,
Office Davao Oriental
Villarica, Midsayap,
Cotabato 1st District Engineering Office
North Cotabato
Lanao, Kidapawan City,
Cotabato 2nd District Engineering Office
North Cotabato
Matalam, North
Cotabato 3rd District Engineering Office
Cotabato
Region XII Alabel, Sarangani
Mabini St. Sarangani District Engineering Office
corner Alunan
Province
Avenue, South Cotabato 1st District Engineering
General Santos City
Korondal City Office
South Cotabato 2nd District Engineering
Koronadal City
Office
Sultan Kudarat 1st District Engineering
Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Office
Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Engineering
Lebak, Sultan Kudarat
Office
Agusan del Norte District Engineering J. Rosales Avenue,
Office Butuan City
Region XIII Agusan del Sur 1st District Engineering Patin-ay, Prosperidad,
J. Rosales Office Agusan del Sur
Avenue, Brgy. Karaos, San
Butuan City Agusan del Sur 2nd District Engineering
Francisco, Agusan Del
Office
Sur
Butuan City District Engineering Office R. Palma, Butuan City

19
 Region District Engineering Office Office Location
San Jose, Dinagat
Dinagat Islands District Engineering Office Islands, Surigao del
Norte
Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineering
Dapa, Surigao del Norte
Office
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Capitol Road, Surigao
Office City
Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering
Tandag, Surigao del Sur
Office
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Engineering Bislig City, Surigao del
Office Sur
Seminary Drive, Del
PMO Lanao del Sur
Carmen, Iligan City
Ramon Rabago,
PMO Maguindanao
Cotabato City
BARMM
PMO Sulu Patikul, Sulu
PMO Tawi-tawi Bongao, Tawi-tawi
Isabela City DEO (To be designated as
Tabuk, Isabela City
PMO Basilan)

It is also worth mentioning that DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, designated
as alternate representative of Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to the Inter-governmental
Relations Body (IGRB) composed of leaders from both the National and Bangsamoro
governments, underscored at the 12th IGRB meeting held December 1, 2022 in Davao
City the DPWH steadfast support to the BARMM through continued assistance in the
Region’s requirements for national infrastructure development projects.

As one of the member agency of national government to the IGRB, Senior

Undersecretary Sadain reported that a new unit of DPWH is being proposed for creation
to solely focused on the planning, construction and maintenance of national roads,
bridges, flood control systems, water supply and other national public works and
infrastructure projects in BARMM.

No less than President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., in the aftermath of the recent
Typhoon “Paeng” wherein various national roads and bridges along the BARMM
especially in Maguindanao where damaged, has recommended the establishment of
DPWH District Engineering Office to fast track the implementation of infrastructure
projects and expedite repairs of affected bridges and national roads to restore mobility
after the onslaught of natural calamities.

At the present time, there are five (5) PMOs under RPMO-BARMM, namely, PMO Lanao
del Sur, PMO Maguindanao, PMO Sulu, PMO Tawi-tawi, and Isabela City DEO, which
shall later be designated as PMO Basilan.

V. Data Analysis

A. National Road Length per Functional Classification

20
 Table J. National Road Length per Functional Classification for CY 2013-2022
Functional Classification Annual Growth
Year Total Increase Rate
Primary Secondary Tertiary (km) (%)
2013 16,078.76 16,148.23 - 32,226.99 629.31 1.99
2014 7,060.39 14,051.37 11,414.73 32,526.49 299.50 0.93
2015 7,066.74 14,118.49 11,448.14 32,633.37 106.875 0.33
2016 7,067.42 14,148.04 11,554.81 32,770.27 136.90 0.42
2017 7,066.58 14,248.89 11,552.60 32,868.06 97.79 0.30
2018 7,068.23 14,284.60 11,579.88 32,932.71 64.65 0.20
2019 7,071.82 14,339.06 11,607.33 33,018.21 85.50 0.26
2020 7,093.81 14,394.70 11,631.36 33,119.87 101.66 0.31
2021 7,392.46 14,901.81 11,956.70 34,250.97 1,131.10 3.42
2022 7,442.85 15,031.21 11,878.33 34,352.40 101.42 0.30
Source: RBIA Database (As of October 2022)
Unit of Measure: kilometer (km)

Table J summarizes the progression of the Philippine National Road Network, focusing
on the annual increase in road length per national road classification (i.e. Primary,
Secondary, and Tertiary). According to the data presented, the highest annual increase
in national road length occurred from 2020 to 2021, with a 3.42% growth rate. Whereas,
for the year 2022, there has been an increase of 101.42 km or 0.30% in the total road
length from the previous year attributable to newly-converted road sections.

B. Comparative Regional Yearly Length of National Roads (2013-2022)

The data illustrated in Table __ on page ___ shows the increase 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 2013 to 2022. 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.

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 2013 to 2022, there was a relative decrease in the length of
unpaved roads and, as a result, an increase in the length of paved roads throughout the
country. This was due to improvements on newly integrated gap sections, road sections
prioritized based on road condition, and roads converted from local to national roads, all
of which contributed to the Department's commitment to providing quality
infrastructures.

C. Road Length and Percentage Distribution per Surface Type

21
 Table K. Length and Percentage of National Roads per
Surface Type (CY 2022)

Surface Type Length (km) Percentage (%)

Concrete 22,343.02 65.04
Asphalt 11,654.17 33.93
Gravel 334.08 0.97
Earth 21.12 0.06
Total 34,352.40 100

Source: RBIA Database (As of October 2022)

Unit of Measure: kilometer (km)

The country’s national road network is predominantly concrete surfacing at 65.04% or

22,343.02 km from the total length of 34,352.40 km. Whereas, asphalt-surfaced roads
which comprise 33.93% of the total road network constitutes the 11,654.17 km from
the total road length in CY 2022. On the other hand, gravel and earth surfaced roads
are 0.97% and 0.06% or 334.08 km and 21.12 km, respectively, of the total national
roads (Please refer to Figure 10).

Based on the data provided in Figure 11, the regions with the highest and lowest lengths
of concrete-paved roads are Region VI and the NCR, with 2,160.14 km and 426.95 km,
respectively. Region IV-A and BARMM, on the other hand, have the highest and lowest
asphalt-paved roads, with 1,660.82 km and 50.69 km, respectively. While, Region IX
has the highest length of gravel and earth-surfaced roads, with 75.72 km and 7.86 km,
respectively.

22
D. Length and Percentage Distribution of Paved and Unpaved Roads for CY
2013 to 2022

As shown in Figure 12, the length of paved roads in the national road network has
noticeably increased from a mere 26,772.97 km to 33,997.19 km in CY 2013 to 2022,
respectively. In contrast, the length of unpaved roads has significantly decreased from
5,454.02 km in 2013 to 355.21 km in 2022. Evidently, the national roads have
increasingly and continuously progressed toward a pavement-type surface, denoting
that they have been well maintained by the Department.

Figure 13 depicts the current percentage distribution of paved and unpaved roads
throughout the national road network, with paved roads accounting for 98.97% while
unpaved roads making up for 1.03% of national roads.

23
 Table L. Length and Percentage Distribution of Paved & Unpaved Roads
from CY 2013 to 202

Source: RBIA Database (As of October 2022)

Table M. Length and Growth Rate of Paved Roads Table N. Length and Growth Rate of Unpaved
for CY 2013 to CY 2022 Roads for CY 2013 to CY 2022

Source: RBIA Database (As of October 2022)

Shown in Table L are the lengths and percentage distributions of paved and unpaved
roads throughout the national road network for the years 2013–2022. Throughout the
given period, there has been an increase in the percentage distribution of paved roads
with respect to unpaved ones. Through the implementation of the right projects,
98.97%, or 33,997.19 km, of paved roads for the year 2022 have been substantially
accomplished. Conversely, there has been a decline in the growth rate of paved and
unpaved roads every year, as shown in Tables M and N, respectively.

Also, 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 was increased from 5.40% of GDP in 2017 to around 7.30% 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 a
move shall significantly affect the Philippine national road network.
24
 Figure 14. Length of Paved and Unpaved Roads per Region for CY 2022
3,500.00
0.76
3,000.00
- 4.63
0.10 6.55 5.92
2,500.00 63.11 15.97
23.56 45.76
2,000.00 0.32 39.29
83.58 26.74 27.95
1,500.00 - 3,063.55
10.96 2,555.60
2,246.21 2,406.97 2,543.83 2,281.43 2,440.22 2,370.24
1,000.00 1,997.64 1,931.77
1,728.04 1,568.08 1,664.99
1,476.46 1,502.39
500.00 1,053.57 1,166.20

-
BARMM CAR NCR Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region Region
I II III IV-A IV-B V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII

Paved Unpaved

With the continuous increase of paved roads in the national road network, it was noted
that Region VI garnered the highest length of paved roads with 3,063.55 km. On the
other hand, the region with the lowest length of paved roads is identified to be the
BARMM, with 1,053.57 km of road length.

Despite the BARMM having the shortest length of paved national roads, the DPWH will
sustain working with the Bangsamoro government to ensure that necessary
infrastructure is provided for the people of BARMM.

Correspondingly, in line with the Bangsamoro Organic Law that requires the national
government to fund and implement infrastructure projects, DPWH thru its Unified Project
Management Office (UPMO) Operations headed by Senior Undersecretary Sadain is
spearheading the delivery of much-needed infrastructure services in the Bangsamoro
Region.

E. Road Condition

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

Table O. VCI Range Values

Road Condition Condition Rating
>70 - 100 Good
>40 - 70 Fair
>20 - 40 Poor
1 – 20 Bad

Table P. Road Condition with Recommended Treatment Measures

Road Condition Treatment Measures
Good Little or no maintenance required (routine maintenance)
Needs some partial/full depth repairs (preventive
Fair
maintenance)
Needs extensive full depth repairs, some full slab
Poor
replacement/ Rehabilitation
Bad Needs to rebuild pavement (Total Reconstruction)

25
The graph provides a comparison of the assessed road condition of the national road
network in 2021 with that of 2022. The Visual Road Condition (RoCond) survey is a
yearly activity wherein the condition of the road is being assessed manually. The
gathered data are being utilized as one of the components in running the HDM-4 analysis
and for prioritization of projects. Regional Coordinators must assess 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 roads in poor conditions are due for rehabilitation and those roads
with bad conditions are recommended for total reconstruction. However, there are some
road sections that were not validated 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 2022, record shows that out of the 34,352.40 km total length of national
road, 36.91% is in good condition, 36.59% in fair condition, 13.04% in poor condition,
7.25% in bad condition while 6.22% of the total road network are yet to be assessed.
(Please refer to Figure 16)

Figure 16. Percentage Distribution of Road Condition for

Paved and Unpaved Roads in CY 2022

6.22%
7.25%

13.04% 36.91%

36.59%

Good Fair Poor Bad No Asessment

26
 Figure 17. Percentage Distribution of Road Condition for
Paved Roads in CY 2022

5.96%
6.99%

12.68% 36.89%

36.45%

Good Fair Poor Bad No Asessment

Figure 18. Percentage Distribution of Road Condition for

Unpaved Roads in CY 2022

0.02%
0.14%
0.26%

0.36%
0.26%

Good Fair Poor Bad No Asessment

Figure 17 demonstrates that a large percentage of paved national roads are in good
condition, with 36.89%. On the other hand, Figure 18 shows that the majority of total
national roads for unpaved roads are in poor condition (0.36%).

F. International Roughness Index (IRI)

The Pavement Management System (PMS) is a set of tools or methods that assist the
decision maker in finding optimum strategies for providing and maintaining pavements
in a serviceable condition over a given period of time. Using information available in the
Road and Bridge Information Application (RBIA) and decision criteria, PMS can produce
cost-effective pavement maintenance or asset preservation work programs. PMS as used
by the DPWH is basically a network level planning and programming tool.

An effective pavement management system depends on reliable, accurate, and complete

information. Having quality pavement management data is directly linked to the ability
of the pavement management system to contribute to the development of reasonable
and reliable recommendations and decisions regarding an agency’s pavement network.
27
Data need to be collected over a certain interval so that the PMS analysis reflects the
changing conditions of the road network. Hence, roughness data are collected over 1 to
3 years interval. Road roughness data is one of the important indicators/inputs for
planning purposes especially on the operation of the Pavement Management System
(PMS) using the Highway Development Management (HDM-4) strategy analysis and in
reporting network performance under the Department’s Performance Governance
System (PGS).

Road Roughness Index is an expression of irregularities in the pavement surface that

adversely affect the riding quality of a vehicle and is calculated and translated in the
form of International Roughness Index (IRI). This data set provide an important
representation of road information that can be used to model road performance vital in
coming-up with suitable recommendation of asset preservation ranging from
maintenance, to rehabilitation, to reconstruction of certain road section, to evaluate
program effectiveness and to satisfy many other purposes.

Since its initial inception in 2000, the gathering of Road Roughness Index Data has been
one of the key indicators in the PMS and using HDM-4 by the DPWH in identifying and
quantifying key projects for programming. In accomplishing the task, the Statistics
Division (SD), Planning Service has been leading the collection and management of the
Road Roughness Survey to be able to sustain and support the PMS of the Department.
To ensure continued availability of updated/latest roughness information, National Road
Roughness Index Program were outsourced through Consulting Services funded under
General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In the most recent roughness data gathered through outsourcing of the National
Roughness Index Program, the Nationwide Weighted Average International Roughness
Index (IRI) per Region is shown in Table Q.

Table Q. Average International Roughness Index (IRI) per Region

(CY 2019)
REGION AVERAGE
CAR 5.83
NCR 4.91
I 3.75
II 4.56
III 3.63
IV-A 3.34
V 3.39
VI 5.02
VII 4.58
VIII 4.63
IX 5.07
X 4.31
XI 5.24
XII 5.16
XIII 4.37
Nationwide Average 4.68
Note:
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.
28
That while the roughness survey requires movement of the survey team between District
Engineering Offices, hence was critical in the spread of the Covid-19 virus, data
gathering from 2020 to 2022 roughness survey was temporarily deferred due to the
pandemic. However, the said activity is expected to resume in the 2023 IRI survey round
and cover about 12,982.671km of national roads.

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: national
roads (primary roads, secondary roads, tertiary roads), local roads (provincial roads,
municipal/city roads, barangay roads), as well as expressways. It is considered as an
appropriate index of human activity and land-use intensity. Thus, road density is
generally highly-correlated with the 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
advancement—both within the country and on the export market—and providing better
public and private service provisions, including banking and insurance services, to the
poor and marginalized rural dwellers. Likewise, roads serve as key infrastructural units
that provide linkages to other modes of transportation like railways, shipping, and air
networks. Hence, it is imperative that we consider all the factors necessary in coming
up with the optimal plan to improve road infrastructure, one of which is road density.

Table R. National Road Density per Region for CY 2013-2022

Table R provides a rundown of the road density of the country in the regional and
national level for the year 2013-2022. It encompasses the national primary, secondary
29
and tertiary roads; with the exclusion, however, of local roads, under the jurisdiction of
the department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Based on the preceding table, it is clear that with the development of road infrastructure
within the National Capital Region, it holds the highest Road Density with 188.24 km per
sq. km. On the other hand, since BARMM was only recently established, the road density
in the said region is only 2.90.

30