After three months of severe disruption, the crucial Bukidnon–Davao City Road (BuDa Road) is now fully operational. The newly constructed permanent alignment in Barangay Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon, officially opened to all vehicles on January 14, 2026. This reopening restores a vital transport corridor between Northern Mindanao and the Davao Region, significantly easing the massive traffic congestion caused by a catastrophic landslide in October 2025.
A Vital Link Restored After Catastrophic Collapse
The road's collapse on October 18, 2025, was a major blow to Mindanao's infrastructure. A massive landslide severely damaged a critical section of the six-lane highway, forcing its complete closure due to safety risks. This closure created a logistical nightmare, with long queues of buses, trucks, private cars, and cargo vehicles stretching for kilometers. Motorists faced agonizing waiting times of up to two hours during peak travel periods, crippling the flow of goods and people.
The newly opened alignment permanently replaces the collapsed section, which engineers declared unsafe for future use. The opening ceremony was led by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, alongside local officials including Quezon Mayor Pablo Lorenzo III.
Government Assures Permanent Solution and Swift Action
During the event, Secretary Dizon provided crucial details about the project. He confirmed that Japanese engineering consultants have classified the new road section as a permanent route. "We really wanted to speed this up because we know the importance of BuDa road. Now traffic flow here will return to normal," Dizon stated. He emphasized that the original route is too dangerous to use, making this new alignment the permanent solution.
Dizon noted that while the road is open, the project is approximately 90 to 95 percent complete. Remaining work includes finishing drainage systems, asphalt paving, slope protection, and other improvements to ensure long-term durability and prevent future damage.
Senator Zubiri addressed public concerns about project prioritization, dismissing speculation that political or geopolitical factors would cause delays. "With one call to Sec. Vince and the President, they immediately said they would find savings to do this quickly," Zubiri explained, highlighting the government's recognition of the road's economic importance. The P46.6 million project was funded through the DPWH's Quick Response Fund.
Significant Economic and Human Impact
The closure of BuDa Road had profound consequences. According to Regional Director Mylah Aurora Faye Cariño of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), the prolonged closure caused estimated economic losses of up to P187 million daily. Had the situation continued, total losses could have reached a staggering P14.07 billion by the end of 2025, equivalent to about 1.1 percent of Northern Mindanao's gross regional domestic product.
The human toll was also deep. After nearly a week of search and retrieval operations, authorities recovered the bodies of Ely and Thelma Ubatay, a couple who had survived a deadly landslide in 2024 but tragically perished in the 2025 collapse.
Prior to the permanent opening, the DPWH implemented a temporary 460-meter, four-lane gravel detour in December 2025 to allow limited passage. Motorists were also advised to use lengthy alternative routes, which increased travel time and cost for businesses and commuters alike.
The reopening of BuDa Road marks a critical step in recovery, re-establishing a primary gateway for agricultural products, construction materials, fuel, and consumer goods between Bukidnon and Davao City. It is a lifeline restored for commuters, tourists, and the logistics industry, promising a return to normalcy for the regional economy.
