Residents of Mankayan, Benguet work voluntarily together to repair portions of Colalo Road damaged by #UwanPH in 2025, helping restore a vital link between Benguet and Ilocos Sur.

In photos and videos shared by the Mankayan local government unit, residents, small-scale miners, and local authorities can be seen joining efforts to fix collapsed sections of the road. The initiative reflects the Cordillera tradition of binnadang, or bayanihan, where communities come together to help one another.

Volunteers worked without pay to reinforce damaged portions of the road and install riprap to prevent further erosion. Residents said they were motivated to act because the road is essential to their livelihood and daily transport.

Mankayan Mayor Cesar Pasiwen said the damaged road is part of a national highway and has suffered repeated closures due to the typhoon.

“Actually, ito yung Cervantes-Mankayan. Ito yung national road. Actually, pangatlong site na ito. Ang first yung Lower Colalo noong nag-close ito noong kasagsagan ng bagyo,” Pasiwen said.

The bayanihan efforts have been ongoing for more than a week. Residents also traveled to Kilometer Three to repair another damaged section of the road that connects Benguet to Ilocos Sur.

Support also came from individuals and organizations that donated construction materials, food, and heavy equipment to assist with the more demanding tasks.

“’Yan nga yung pinagpapasalamat namin sa ating kababayan at nagboluntaryo sila na kami’y magtulong-tulong para maayos itong kalsada namin,” Pasiwen said.

The local government said repairs at Kilometer Three are expected to be completed within three days.