BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, one of the sister companies of the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), recently commissioned the services of a Norwegian expert on infrastructure to conduct a feasibility study on the appropriate technology which will be used to rehabilitate and upgrade the scenic and historic Kennon road to convert it into an ''all-weather road'' which will boost accessibility to this mountain resort city, especially during the rainy season where landslides and soil erosion usually happen.
Ramoncito Fernandez, president of the Metro Pacific Tollways corporation, said the conduct of the feasibility study on Kennon road will be their contribution to help improve accessibility to Baguio City, the country's undisputed Summer Capital, that will result to the enhancement of the tourism industry not only in the city but also the whole region.
The Norwegian expert already conducted the necessary pre-feasibility activities along the 34-kilometer road which is characterized by its zigzag features and ascending condition carved along the mountain slope from the lowlands to the city.
Fernandez revealed the feasibility study on Kennon road will be completed on or before the end of this year and will be submitted to concerned government agencies for consideration in their future plans to convert the zigzag road into an ''all-weather road'' and provide convenience to the motoring public who want to frequent the city and enjoy its cool and romantic weather.
One of the major improvements to be introduced along Kennon road, especially in identified landslide-prone areas is the construction of rock sheds and viaducts which will serve as the catchment of the debris falling from the mountain slopes and will dump them on to the banks of the Bued River.
While the development of Kennon road is considered to be politically sensitive because of the presence of communities along the road, the MPTC official admitted the feasibility of its rehabilitation must be ascertained to allow the private sector to be involved pursuant to the government's public-private partnership scheme.
The involvement of MPTC in the conduct of the feasibility study on the proposed upgrading of Kennon road will compliment the efforts being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) pursuant to the directive of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III after consultations with Bishop Carlito Cenzon when he visited the city last December.
