Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the construction of a detour road to restore connectivity after a large portion of the Bukidnon-Davao Road in Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon collapsed following a landslide on October 18, 2025.

However, construction may take several months.

Dizon visited the area on Tuesday, October 21, to assess the extent of damage and check the ongoing search for the couple who were on board the tricab that was found buried after the landslide.

He also recommended a comprehensive rapid assessment and soil testing along the entire stretch of the Overview Road to determine its structural integrity.

The top official of DPWH said the agency is coordinating with private companies that have the capacity to conduct the tests to prevent another landslide in the future.

“Meron talagang paggalaw ng lupa sa ilalim mismo kaya napakalalim nong naging landslide ng segment ng kalyeng ‘yun. At kailangan i-check natin yung iba pang mga segment sa buong bundok na dinadaanan ng kalye,” Dizon said.

However, Dizon said the process will take time due to the complexity of the tests to be conducted.

“Ang estimated time natin to do the test baka umabot ng dalawang buwan pagkatapos nun magde-disenyo na tayo ng detour road sa inner portion nong kalye. Idudugtong natin ang hindi nasira sa baba dun sa hindi nasira sa itaas yun pinaka mabilis na gagawin. 2 months yung testing pa lang kasi matagal na testing to pero pipilitin nating bilisan yan,” Dizon said.

DPWH will also install  a temporary staircase for bus passengers through a “tabo system,” where passengers are transferred to another bus on the opposite side to continue their trip.