DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon Urges Completion of Kennon Road Repairs Before Holy Week
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has issued a firm directive to ensure that all rehabilitation works on Kennon Road are completed before the Holy Week period. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Baguio Country Club on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Dizon emphasized the critical need to address infrastructure issues ahead of the expected influx of visitors to Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines.
Focus on Key Infrastructure Repairs
Kennon Road, a 33.5-kilometer zigzag road in Benguet province that connects Rosario, La Union to Baguio City, has been a focal point for repairs. Dizon highlighted specific areas requiring immediate attention, including a section that has been reduced to one-way traffic. "I am pushing our new regional director and district engineer to already make sure it will be fixed. Before Holy Week, because there is an area that became a one-way traffic. We need to fix it before Holy Week," Dizon stated. He stressed the urgency of these repairs to ensure safe and efficient travel for the anticipated surge in tourists during the holiday season.
Broader Infrastructure Maintenance Efforts
In addition to Kennon Road, Dizon pointed out other infrastructure projects needing attention, such as the rock shed visited by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last year and slope protections on thoroughfares across Baguio, Benguet, and the Cordillera region. "We just need to do it right and we need to fix everything," he asserted. Dizon recalled President Marcos's directive upon his appointment to the DPWH post last year, which was to ensure the maintenance of roads and bridges nationwide. He noted that decades of neglect have led to deteriorating conditions, with some bridges dating back to the era of the elder Marcos, who oversaw their construction during his presidency.
Context and Additional Activities
Dizon's press conference coincided with his role as guest speaker at the grand street dancing parade of the Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City. During his visit, he also planned to inspect various infrastructure projects in the area, underscoring the government's commitment to improving public works. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance transportation networks and support local tourism, particularly in regions like the Cordillera, which rely heavily on road connectivity for economic and social activities.
