BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has assured local officials and the public that critical rehabilitation works along Kennon Road will be finished before the Holy Week break in April 2026.
During an inspection of the 33.5-kilometer zigzag road on Sunday, March 1, 2026, Dizon emphasized the government’s goal to transform the historic route into an all-weather road. This designation means the road would remain safe and open to traffic even during heavy rains and typhoons, which have historically forced its closure.
- Priority Repairs: The agency is fast-tracking the completion of a rock shed at the Tuba, Benguet section and repairing road collapses that occurred during the 2025 typhoon season.
- Japan & Korea Expertise: Dizon revealed plans to hire consultants from Japan and South Korea to provide high-level engineering solutions for long-term slope protection and stability.
- Bypass Expansion: Dizon also ordered the widening of the narrow access road leading to the Major Mane–Kennon Road Bypass Road to prevent traffic bottlenecks for motorists traveling between the lowlands and the summer capital.
The push for completion is timed to accommodate the expected influx of tourists during the Lenten season. By ensuring Kennon Road is passable for light vehicles, the DPWH aims to decongest Marcos Highway, currently the primary route to Baguio City.
“I’m here to make sure and to assure our local governments of Baguio, Tuba, and Benguet that we will finish this. That is our commitment, and that is the commitment of PBBM,” Dizon said, referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain national infrastructure.
The 2026 national budget reportedly includes a higher allocation for infrastructure maintenance, providing the necessary funds for these urgent Cordillera projects.