Bukidnon road collapse costs Northern Mindanao P187M daily since October

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – A deadly landslide in Quezon town, Bukidnon, in October that disrupted traffic between Northern Mindanao and Davao regions is causing economic losses estimated at P187 million daily, or about 1.19% of Northern Mindanao’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) in Northern Mindanao, said the losses could reach P14.07 billion if the disruption continues until December 31.

She added the losses could further climb to P48.19 billion if rehabilitation of the damaged highway linking Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Bukidnon is not completed by June 30, 2026.

“The more delay, the more losses we will have,” Cariño told reporters.

A section of the six-lane highway in Sitio Kipolot, Barangay Palacapao, Quezon town collapsed on October 18. An elderly couple, vendors riding a bao-bao (tricycle), were killed when the landslide swept the vehicle away. The highway is a vital economic lifeline between Northern Mindanao and Davao regions.

The Department of Public Works and Highways  (DPWH) in Region X has built a concrete ladder along a diversion road near the collapsed section to ease travel for commuters who must transfer buses to reach their destinations.

DPWH-X public information officer Roshelle Novie Cabrido said only small and light vehicles can pass through the diversion. Larger container trucks must use alternative routes through San Fernando to Talaingod or Kabacan to Digos and Davao.

A DEPDev study showed the detours, which add 60 to 100 kilometers to trips, could cost truckers an additional P132 million daily in travel, fuel, and logistics.

“The increased fuel and logistical costs are likely to drive up consumer prices,” Cariño said.

The study also noted that local vegetable vendors and farmers face losses from double handling of crops, payments to porters, and spoilage. Delays in transporting high-value vegetables such as carrots and lettuce could cost an estimated P55 million a day. – Rappler.com