Full Breakdown
Rehabilitation of Kennon Road: A Comprehensive Plan for Safety and Accessibility
3/1/2026, 8:47:32 PM
Overview of the Rehabilitation Efforts
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Philippines is undertaking significant rehabilitation work on Kennon Road, a vital 33.5-kilometer route connecting Rosario, La Union to Baguio City. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced that construction will commence on the unfinished rock shed and repairs to sections of the road that collapsed in 2025. The initiative aims to transform Kennon Road into an "all-weather road," enhancing stability and safety for travelers, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Key Details of the Project
During a recent inspection, Dizon emphasized the urgency of completing the rehabilitation work before Holy Week, which falls between March 29 and April 5 this year. He noted that certain areas of the road are currently limited to one-way traffic, necessitating prompt repairs to accommodate the expected influx of visitors to Baguio City. The DPWH has allocated a budget of PHP270 million for the remaining 100-meter rock shed, which is crucial for protecting the road from landslides.
Dizon highlighted the importance of learning from the repairs on Kennon Road to improve safety standards for other mountainous roads across the country. He stated, “We need to ensure that it has a solid foundation that will support the road and keep it strong,” underscoring the need for robust construction practices.
Expert Consultation and Long-Term Goals
To enhance the rehabilitation efforts, Dizon announced the involvement of Japanese and Korean consultants who will assist in developing comprehensive plans for slope protection and road safety. This collaboration aims to address the frequent soil erosion and landslides that affect roads in the Cordillera region and beyond.
Dizon also pointed out the historical neglect of infrastructure, stating, “It’s been decades that the roads and bridges were neglected, that is why we see many collapsing.” This acknowledgment of past issues reflects a commitment to improving the infrastructure landscape in the Philippines.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rehabilitation plans have been generally well-received, some critics have raised concerns regarding the timeline and effectiveness of past infrastructure projects. They argue that previous efforts have often been delayed or inadequately executed, leading to skepticism about the current promises of timely completion.
Official Statements & Responses
Dizon reassured local governments and communities in Baguio, Tuba, and Benguet of the DPWH's commitment to finishing the project, stating, “I’m here to make sure and to assure our local governments... that we will finish this.” His statements reflect a proactive approach to addressing the infrastructure challenges faced by the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kaya naman matapos this year (It can be completed this year),” — Vince Dizon, Secretary of Public Works and Highways.
- “Kailangan siguraduhin natin magsisimula sa foundation, ‘yung magsusuporta sa kalye, at matibay (We need to ensure that it has a solid foundation that will support the road and keep it strong),” — Vince Dizon, Secretary of Public Works and Highways.
- “If we do this, we will not only address soil erosion and landslides that are frequent in your region, but all over the country where roads are built on mountain slopes,” — Vince Dizon, Secretary of Public Works and Highways.
The rehabilitation of Kennon Road represents a critical step towards enhancing the safety and accessibility of one of the Philippines' key travel routes, with significant implications for local communities and tourism.
