The House of Representatives supports the bill that proposes full rehabilitation and maintenance of Kennon Road under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
House Bill 9075 of Baguio City Rep. Mark Go is expected to be approved on third and final reading when session resumes on May 20. It has been approved on second reading.
Go said due to the current “open close” situation of Kennon Road, it is imperative that a full rehabilitation and maintenance be done to the said road under the DPWH supervision to make it an all-weather road for the safety of commuters.
“It will also address the influx of vehicular traffic during peak tourism season, making it accessible and convenient to all tourists visiting Baguio City,” said Go, vice chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture, said.
Go said Kennon Road is branded as one of the “killer roads” in the country due to numerous reported accidents caused by major landslides. “More often than not, authorities issue advisories closing the Kennon Road during heavy rains and typhoons affecting the northern part of the country,” said Go.
When a magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit Baguio City in 1990, the lawmaker said Kennon Road was vastly damaged which prompted the DPWH to close it indefinitely. It was only after a year when it was opened for public use, Go said.
Under HB 9075, the DPWH shall undertake the full rehabilitation of the 33.534-kilometer Kennon Road, stretching from Rosario, La Union to Baguio City. Thereafter, the DPWH shall be responsible for the maintenance of Kennon Road and ensure that it remains safe and optimally serviceable.
The DPWH, in coordination with the Cordillera Regional Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), shall evaluate and assess the current condition of Kennon Road to identify the necessary engineering works for the said road.
The DPWH shall conduct a feasibility study to primarily plan the extent and duration of Kennon Road as an “all-weather” road.
