In the mountainous Cordillera, the winding Halsema Road is more than just a highway – it’s the main artery that keeps the region’s heart beating. Spanning from Baguio City to Bontoc, Halsema Road is the primary route that connects isolated communities, facilitates trade, and provides access to essential services. However, any damage to this critical infrastructure can have severe consequences, disrupting lives and livelihoods, much like a stroke that cuts off the flow of blood to the brain.
For decades, Halsema Road has been a vital lifeline for the people of the Cordillera. It is the route through which fresh produce from the highlands reaches markets in Baguio City and beyond. This road supports the livelihood of thousands of farmers who rely on it to transport vegetables, rice, and coffee to market, and in doing so, sustains the regional economy. But Halsema Road is more than just a highway for commerce; it’s also a crucial link for healthcare, education, and social services. For many remote communities, this road is their only connection to hospitals, schools, and government services.
However, all of this hinges on the road’s accessibility and safety. Halsema Road is known for its treacherous terrain and is prone to landslides, rockfalls, and other natural hazards. The current washout section in the Pilando area at kilometer 73 is a stark reminder of this vulnerability. This damage has significantly disrupted the flow of traffic, forcing commuters to take the Buguias-Kabayan-Bokod route, which adds more than two hours to their journey. The extended travel time not only inconveniences commuters but also leads to increased transportation fees for vegetables and other goods. A damaged Halsema Road is not just a transportation issue; it’s a humanitarian crisis waiting to unfold.
The metaphor of Halsema Road as the main artery is not just poetic but painfully accurate. Just as a stroke disrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, road damage disrupts the flow of goods, services, and people across the region. In a region already struggling with poverty and limited infrastructure, even a minor disruption can have devastating effects.
For farmers, road closures mean delayed shipments, spoiled produce, and lost income. The increased transportation fees due to the detour make it harder for them to compete in markets, affecting their already precarious livelihoods. For patients in need of urgent care, a blocked road can be the difference between life and death. For students, road damage can mean missed classes and educational setbacks that have long-term implications. The people of the Cordillera cannot afford these interruptions, yet they are all too common.
The frequent damage to Halsema Road should serve as a wake-up call to local and national governments. It is not enough to conduct temporary repairs or place warning signs. What the Cordillera needs is a comprehensive strategy to strengthen and maintain its main artery. This means investing in road improvements, such as reinforcing vulnerable sections, installing protective barriers, and developing alternative routes to provide a safety net when the inevitable occurs.
In considering these improvements, why not explore the possibility of constructing rock sheds like those on Marcos Highway instead of relying solely on rock nets? Rock sheds provide a more robust solution by shielding the road from falling debris and ensuring continuous access even during landslides. This could be a game-changer for Halsema Road, where rockfalls are a constant threat. Unlike rock nets, which catch debris after it has already fallen, rock sheds prevent debris from reaching the road in the first place, offering a proactive approach to road safety.
The government must also invest in technology and systems that can predict and warn against potential road hazards. Early warning systems and community preparedness programs can mitigate the impact of natural disasters on road accessibility. And crucially, local communities need to be involved in these initiatives – they know their land best and can offer invaluable insights into making Halsema Road safer and more resilient.
Preserving Halsema Road is not just about patching up a damaged highway; it’s about safeguarding the lifeline that sustains an entire region. The Cordillera’s future depends on the road’s accessibility and reliability. This is not just a matter of infrastructure but a matter of survival and development for the region.
As we look to the future, let’s remember that the health of Halsema Road directly correlates with the health of the Cordillera region. Ensuring this vital artery remains open and safe is not just a logistical necessity but a moral imperative. The time to act is now before the next stroke brings the region to its knees. Exploring innovative solutions like rock sheds could make all the difference, protecting both the road and the communities that depend on it.
