Dizon reopens Bukidnon road, restoring vital Northern Mindanao-Davao link

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday, January 14, reopened a gravel road in Sitio Kapulot, Barangay Palacapao, Quezon town that links Bukidnon province to Northern Mindanao and the Davao regions, cushioning economic losses resulting from the collapse of a section of a mountain road due to a landslide last year.

The collapse disrupted traffic flow and resulted in economic losses amounting to over P180 million a day in Northern Mindanao alone, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

Dizon arrived in Palacapao and inspected the over P46-million project done by contractor JT Gamolo Construction of Valencia, Bukidnon, especially on the drainage canal on the four-lane gravel road, which at first was referred to only as a detour.

Dizon, however, said the road will be further developed as the permanent replacement of the collapsed section of the Quezon town road.

After finding the work sufficient, Dizon conferred with Senator Miguel Zubiri, Bukidnon Governor Oneil Roque, and Quezon town Mayor Poleng Lorenzon and reopened the vital road link.

Closed on January 4 for drainage work, the new route left motorists and commuters stranded in a two-kilometer traffic jam, with many navigating an unfamiliar path that was meant to speed up travel.

The new road was constructed after a portion of the highway collapsed last October 18, killing an elderly couple after the bao-bao (tricycle) they were riding got caught in the mudslide.

The DEPDev in Region X estimated the economic losses have reached P14.07 billion by December 31, 2025, due to the disruption of vehicular traffic.

“The good news is that vehicular traffic is now normalized,” Dizon told reporters.

Dizon said he has ordered the asphalting of the 460-meter detour road and that public works should resume by Friday, January 16.

He said the money would be sourced from the Department of Public Works and Highways Region Quick Reaction Fund (QRF).

DPWH-X information officer Novie Cabrido said the P20-million asphalting contract was awarded to Suprea Philippines Development Corporation of Cebu.

Cabrido said Dizon wants the asphalting work finished by Sunday, January 18.

“The contractor was told to start their work at 10 pm at night and allow passage of vehicles by lane so as not to hinder the traffic,” Cabrido said.

Cabrido said the construction of the gravel road, amounting to P46.6 million, was awarded to JT Gamolo Construction of Barangay Bagong Tass, Valencia City, Bukidnon. It was awarded to the firm on December 5, 2025, by DPWH-X Regional Director Lilibeth Aparcio. – Rappler.com