Republic Act 11604: Mandating the Full Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Kennon Road

Republic Act No. 11604, signed into law on December 10, 2021, is a significant piece of legislation that specifically addresses the long-standing issues concerning Kennon Road, a critical artery connecting Baguio City to the lowlands of La Union and other parts of Luzon.1 Titled "An Act Mandating the Full Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Kennon Road Under the Department of Public Works and Highways," the law places the primary responsibility for the road's upkeep and improvement squarely on the shoulders of the national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The enactment of RA 11604 stems from the persistent challenges faced by Kennon Road, including its susceptibility to landslides and closures, particularly during the rainy season.4 These issues have significantly impacted transportation, commerce, and tourism in the Baguio and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The main provisions of Republic Act 11604 include:

• Mandating Full Rehabilitation: The Act directs the DPWH to undertake the complete rehabilitation of the entire 33.534-kilometer stretch of Kennon Road, from Rosario, La Union, to Baguio City. This rehabilitation is expected to involve necessary engineering interventions to improve the road's structural integrity and resilience against natural calamities.
• Responsibility for Maintenance: Following the rehabilitation, the DPWH is also mandated to be solely responsible for the continuous maintenance of Kennon Road. This ensures that the road remains safe, well-maintained, and optimally serviceable for travelers.
• Funding Allocation: The necessary funds for both the rehabilitation and subsequent maintenance of Kennon Road are to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). This provision aims to ensure dedicated and consistent funding for the crucial road, moving away from potentially sporadic or insufficient allocations.
• Evaluation and Feasibility Study: The DPWH, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cordillera Regional Office, is required to evaluate the current condition of Kennon Road and conduct a feasibility study. This study will inform the planning and implementation of the rehabilitation efforts, with the goal of transforming Kennon Road into an "all-weather" road.

By centralizing the responsibility for Kennon Road under the DPWH and guaranteeing annual funding through the GAA, Republic Act 11604 seeks to provide a long-term solution to the road's perennial problems, aiming for a more reliable and safer passage for commuters and goods traversing this vital link.