Cordillera remains under Blue Alert as infrastructure damage reaches P1.75 billion

BAGUIO CITY — Cordillera remains under Blue Alert status as of 24 August 2026 due to continuous rains and the impacts of recent heavy weather across the region, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Cordillera.

Response agencies and local authorities continue 24-hour monitoring operations to assist affected areas and assess overall damages. Official reports confirm 15 affected individuals, including 14 injured persons, with no missing residents reported. The OCD said emergency management teams will maintain active monitoring until conditions improve and the region can safely downgrade to White Alert.

Financial losses across the region are considerable, with infrastructure damage reaching approximately P1.754 billion. Agricultural losses are currently recorded at P8.188 million. Other damages include 295 affected homes, consisting of 24 totally destroyed structures and 271 partially damaged units.

Disaster response efforts are actively providing aid, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs) and partner institutions distributing P60.38 million in emergency assistance, alongside P5.123 billion worth of non-food items prepositioned by the OCD.

Displacement figures indicate that five active evacuation centers currently shelter 11 families, representing 49 individuals. An additional 190 families, comprising 759 individuals, are receiving assistance while staying outside official evacuation centers with friends or relatives.

Meanwhile, road networks face ongoing disruptions. Reports submitted to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirm two impassable roads, including affected routes in Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet, and Dupligan, Tanudan, Kalinga.

While Kennon Road is restricted primarily to residents, motorists heading to Baguio City are advised to use Marcos Highway or the National Road to minimize travel hazards.