Road damage and landslides continue to disrupt communities in Benguet and Mountain Province as intermittent rain persists, with authorities monitoring areas prone to further ground movement and flooding.

In Barangay Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) installed plastic and concrete barriers at the entrance of a damaged road while repairs are being planned for the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya National Road.

A section of the road collapsed and slid down the mountain, prompting motorists to call for faster repairs because the route connects Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya.

Barangay Beckel Councilor Francisco Baliwawa said the damage has caused problems for residents and motorists, particularly because the road is heavily used by trucks.

“Talagang napakalaking problema po noong gumuho itong kalsada kasi ito yung main na daanan. Marami po talagang dito po ang daanan ng mga trackings,” he said.

The La Trinidad Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office continues to monitor the area as intermittent rain persists. DRRMO Officer Yoshio Labi said national and local authorities are working together on repairs.

“Nagtulong-tulong po yung national at local government para makumpuni kaya on the planning stage na po ito. It is a hazard area at landslide prone. Every time na umulan, bababa at bababa ang lupa,” Labi said.

In Bokod, Benguet, a landslide was reported in Barangay Karao, where soil from the collapsed slope covered part of a river. Authorities warned residents living near rivers to remain alert for sudden rises in water levels.

Meanwhile, ground subsidence continued in Barangay Poblacion in Bauko, Mountain Province, amid rain brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat. The town mayor said the road had dropped by about half a meter since storms hit the area in June.

Bauko Mayor Randolf Awisan said the local government had coordinated with the DPWH because the affected road is a national road.

“‘Yun na nagpatawag kami ng meeting with the DPWH. Magplano kami ulit kung ano ang gagawin kasi national road ito eh. Actually, nasira ito last earthquake that was 2022,” Awisan said.

Authorities continue to monitor the affected areas as rain persists.