‘Japanese, Korean experts to be hired for major Kennon Road overhaul’ - DPWH Sec. Dizon

Baguio City, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through Secretary Vince Dizon, plans to seek assistance from foreign experts to implement a P270-million rehabilitation program for Kennon Road. The move follows a site inspection conducted on March 1, with the goal of completing critical repairs and protective measures before the 2026 Holy Week travel rush.

According to Dizon, as reported by local media, the agency intends to hire Japanese and Korean consultants to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan aimed at making the road all-weather and less prone to landslides.

The proposal to engage foreign experts is based on the success of similar projects along Marcos Highway and Halsema Highway, where protective structures such as rock sheds, fences, and reinforced walls were constructed.

Dizon also ordered urgent repairs in several sections of Kennon Road, particularly a road cut in Camp 2 and road slips between Camps 4 and 5. He confirmed a P279-million allocation to complete the remaining 100 meters of the rock shed along the road, replacing the portion damaged during Typhoon Emong in July 2025.

“We have seen that the rock shed is effective, but the problem was that it was not completed after being hit by typhoons last year. If we complete this, we will not only address soil erosion and landslides that frequently occur in your region, but also in other mountainous areas across the country,” Dizon was quoted as saying.

Built in the early 1900s, Kennon Road links Rosario, La Union to Baguio City and is among the shortest routes between the Ilocos Region and Baguio. It serves as a key access road for motorists traveling from Metro Manila and northern Luzon.

Known for its steep zigzag curves and landslide-prone slopes, it remains both one of the most scenic and most challenging highways in the Philippines.

With the planned foreign-assisted rehabilitation, the DPWH aims to ensure that Kennon Road remains safe and passable not only during the upcoming Holy Week but throughout the year, preserving its role as a vital gateway to the city and nearby destinations.