Motorists are putting their safety at risk by driving through a damaged segment of the San Fernando – Talaingod highway, which connects Bukidnon and Davao del Norte. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued warnings about potential landslides, yet traffic persists.
Authorities Work to Address Hazardous Conditions
The risks are too high for another landslide to occur because of the frequent rains in the area.
Jaymaica Maraguinot, DPWH Region 10 Public Affairs Officer
- Motorcycles and light vehicles reported using the highway despite warnings.
- DPWH engineers are planning measures to restrict access to the damaged area.
Local officials, including Noel Liande from the San Fernando Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, noted the alarming trend of motorcycle riders traversing the hazardous section of the highway in Sitio Balacayo, Barangay Kalanganagan, especially during the early morning hours.
Despite the DPWH’s acknowledgment of the hazard, they lack the authority to enforce a traffic closure. Maraguinot reiterated that the highway remains off-limits to all vehicles and advised those traveling to Davao or General Santos cities to take alternate routes.
“The highway is still not intended for public use and motorists are discouraged from using it due to the continuing risks of landslides, erosions, and unstable ground conditions,” she stated.
In an effort to mitigate misinformation, DPWH Region X has called upon content creators to avoid sharing materials that imply the highway is safe for travel.