DPWH to speed up repair of landslide-hit road linking Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expediting repairs to infrastructure damaged by recent landslides in Baguio City and Benguet province, with the agency putting the estimated cost of damage and required repairs at around P3 billion.

According to a "24 Oras" report by EJ Gomez, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon inspected several landslide-hit areas in Benguet, including a section of the road in Barangay Beckel, La Trinidad that has become impassable to motorists.

The road serves as a link between Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya, making the damage a major concern for motorists and communities using the route.

Dizon inspected the damaged road along with Benguet Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

"Iyong slope protection nito talagang bato-bato lang, so ngayon, talagang gagamit na tayo ng matibay na slope protection," Dizon said.

He said the repair and construction of a more durable slope protection system could take about 10 months.

"As of now, the running total of damage and those needing repairs is about P3 billion," he said.

The inspection was part of the government's efforts to assess damage caused by recent landslides and flooding triggered by the monsoon rains in the past few days. —LDF, GMA News