Korea, Japan experts tapped for Kennon Road rehab

BAGUIO CITY — Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that there will soon be a hiring of consultants from Japan and Korea to create rehabilitation plans for Kennon Road.

The project aims to convert the historic route into an all-weather road that can remain open to traffic throughout the year. The decision followed a 30-kilometer inspection conducted by the secretary from Camp 1 in Tuba, Benguet, to Baguio City to evaluate the current state of the infrastructure.

The department identified immediate priority areas for repair, specifically a road cut at Camp 2 and a road slip between Camp 4 and Camp 5, Tuba, Benguet. The repairs are intended to facilitate smoother travel for motorists using the shortest route between the lowlands and Baguio City. Dizon emphasized that maintaining accessibility in all weather conditions is necessary to support the local tourism industry.

The planning process includes a review of previous feasibility studies to identify viable recommendations. Dizon stated that the agency is responsible for securing funding and managing the execution of these plans. This directive aligns with instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to maintain national infrastructure and complete pending projects to improve motorist safety.

Maintenance and repair work on the priority sections are scheduled for completion before the 2026 Holy Week break. The objective is to keep the road open for light vehicles during the holiday to reduce traffic congestion on Marcos Highway. Dizon noted that the 2026 national budget includes a higher allocation for infrastructure maintenance, providing the necessary funds for these repair projects.

Dizon also confirmed that 270 million pesos has been allocated for the continuation of the rock shed project along Kennon Road. The funding will be used to strengthen the foundation and extend the length of the structure. The original rock shed was damaged in July 2025 during the passage of Typhoon Emong.

Kennon Road was built in the early 1900s to connect the mountain city with the lowlands. The department intends to address both immediate maintenance needs and long-term engineering requirements to reach its all-weather goal. The agency will continue to monitor the site to ensure that both temporary repairs and permanent solutions are implemented effectively.