The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered repairs on the Kennon Road rock shed following recent landslides that weakened the structure, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said Monday. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had inspected the project the previous day.
Bonoan assured motorists that the rock shed remains effective in shielding travelers from falling rocks. While falling debris from about 300 meters high damaged an old crib wall below, the rock shed itself withstood the impact. Bonoan also confirmed that no funds were wasted despite recent damages.
Project History
The project, initially estimated at ₱498 million, was scaled down to 151 meters due to budget limitations, leaving parts of the slope unprotected. Bonoan said he would brief the President on the original 250-meter design and submit a full report on the project’s current status and challenges.
Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan acknowledged the value of the protective structure, noting that the mountain’s loose soil, partly due to past mining and earthquakes, makes landslides frequent.
“Itong rock shed, malaking tulong sa taga-Kennon Road. Kung wala iyan, talagang bumuhos ‘yan. Baka na-wash out pa ‘yang kalsada,” she said.
Residents also welcomed the repairs. Barangay Camp 4 chief John Dogao said the area often became impassable during strong rains before the rock shed was built.
Other Problem Areas
DPWH-Cordillera also plans to repair the collapsed section and explore additional rock sheds for other high-risk zones. Since the 1990 7.7 magnitude Luzon earthquake, Kennon Road has been prone to landslides, with over 400 “disaster spots” identified along the 30-kilometer route.
Government spending for the road’s upkeep has reached about ₱3.7 billion since 2017.
References
Agoot, L. (2025, August 25). DPWH chief orders repair of Kennon Road rock shed. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257289
Cabreza, V. (2025, August 25). More Kennon rock sheds set for construction. Inquirer.net. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2100263/more-kennon-rock-sheds-set-for-construction
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