DPWH launches emergency bypass on landslide‑hit Davao‑Bukidnon highway

A massive landslide on July 17 caused a 100‑meter collapse of the Davao–Bukidnon road in Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog, Mindanao, forcing commuters onto a 9‑kilometre detour. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), led by Secretary Vince Dizon, announced emergency engineering works to construct a temporary bypass using the remaining 6‑meter‑wide section of the highway, with the aim of reopening the route to light vehicles and buses within a few weeks. The government is also coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to provide aid and relocation assistance to displaced families. For a permanent fix, DPWH has engaged Japanese structural consultants to design long‑term slope‑stabilisation measures, with geotechnical investigations already underway. Alternate routes are being advised for heavy trucks and bus passengers, while business leaders warn of growing economic tolls across Bukidnon and neighboring regions.