DPWH reports P1.4 billion initial damage to roads in Cordillera
CLEARING OPERATION - A joint clearing operation conducted by the Benguet PLGU Road Clearing Team (PEO and PDRRMO) in the Suyoc-Posos Provincial Road, which is a critical road network that serves as the shortest alternative route following the closure of the main highway, the Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road in Tublay, Benguet.
BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera reported an initial P1,454,897,648 damage to roads wrought by typhoons Luis, Maymay, and the habagat.
According to Engr. Patrick Cerilo, of DPWH-CAR, a total of 186 road sections were affected in the entire region, with 179 landslides recorded since the beginning of August.
These sections were affected by landslides or road cuts, road slips, fallen trees, and aggravated road slips.
Cerilo shared that the number of road landslides recorded this August has exceeded the historical average of about 160 landslides recorded from 2015 to 2021. Most of the landslides were recorded in Benguet.
A total of 13 road sections are still closed, including eight national roads, such as the entire stretch of Kennon Road which is open for residents only for now; Baguio-Itogon Road at Poblacion, Itogon; Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road in Bekel, La Trinidad; Tawang-Ambiong Road at Ambiong, La Trinidad; Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes Road at Tabio, Mankayan; Banaue Hungduan-Benguet Boundary Road at Hapao, Hungduan; Banaue via Tanudan-Barlig Road at Dupligan, Tanudan; and Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur Road via Tue Road in Balaoa, Tadian.
The Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road in Ampusongan, Bakun, is open for light vehicles only.
He said the DPWH is currently installing safety devices and conducting clearing operations. They are also assessing the damages and preparing documents for their repair and funding.
"Let's be careful. If our trip is not important, let's not travel. Even though the effect of the southwest monsoon is subsiding, there are, and there will be landslides," Cerilo appealed.