Philippines DPWH disaster response in Davao

In July 2026 the Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) began emergency operations after a massive landslide collapsed a 100‑meter stretch of the Davao‑Bukidnon highway. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered a temporary bypass on the remaining roadway segment, aiming to restore light‑vehicle traffic within weeks, while coordinating relief and relocation assistance for affected families and consulting Japanese engineers for long‑term slope stabilization.

A week later, heavy rains associated with Tropical Cyclone Kiyapo triggered severe flooding in Davao City. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that Dizon would inspect the flood‑hit areas and resume stalled flood‑control projects, notably completing the elevation of the Talomo River dike. Dizon blamed inadequate maintenance and unfinished works for the disaster, calling for a review of DPWH records and emphasizing the need to implement existing JICA‑supported flood‑control master plans.

By the end of July, DPWH accelerated work on two fronts. The ₱83.059‑million Dacudao Storm Drainage Project—featuring reinforced‑concrete box culverts and canal cleaning—was slated for completion by August to reduce flooding along Dacudao Road, though additional funding remains required under the JICA Flood Control Master Plan. Simultaneously, all lanes of the Marahan section of the Davao‑Bukidnon Highway stayed closed as DPWH conducted round‑the‑clock repairs, installing 44 steel sheet piles for emergency stabilization while motorists used designated detour routes. These actions illustrate DPWH’s shift from rapid, ad‑hoc repairs toward sustained infrastructure upgrades and mitigation in the Davao region, with Dizon steering both immediate response and longer‑term resilience efforts.