Engineers rehabilitate critical Mindanao highway after landslide damage

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Public Works and Highways has begun extensive rehabilitation of a strategically important road link damaged by landslides, officials said. The Butuan City–Malaybalay corridor, which traverses Tungao in Butuan City, serves as a critical artery connecting agricultural producers across two major regions of Mindanao.

The mountain highway has suffered significant geological instability, prompting engineers to undertake comprehensive stabilization measures. The reconstruction project addresses structural vulnerabilities along the route while implementing design improvements to enhance long-term durability against similar incidents.

Office officials indicated the restored passage would substantially improve trade flows between Caraga and Northern Mindanao. Agricultural products from both regions currently face logistical constraints due to limited viable transport routes, creating bottlenecks for regional commerce.

The completion of repairs is expected to provide economic benefits to farming communities, enabling faster and safer transport of produce to market. Regional stakeholders have emphasized the importance of maintaining infrastructure connectivity for sustaining agricultural trade networks across Mindanao.