DAVAO, PHILIPPINES — The winding mountain highway that connects Davao City to the cool highlands of Bukidnon is once again welcoming travelers. After more than two weeks of closure due to massive road slips, one lane of the Davao-Bukidnon Road in Marilog District has been reopened to buses, light vehicles, and delivery vans as of August 3, 2026, restoring the fastest overland route between Davao Region and Northern Mindanao.
A Vital Link Restored
The reopening comes as a relief for thousands of commuters, traders, and tourists who rely on the scenic BuDa Road. The highway, known for its crisp mountain air and sweeping views of pine-clad slopes, had been severed when a section in Sitio Marahan collapsed on July 17, followed by a second slip in nearby Barangay Buda ten days later. The closure forced travelers to endure long detours or walk across the damaged sections.
Now, with a single lane under controlled traffic, the flow of visitors to Marilog’s mountain resorts, coffee farms, and nature parks is slowly returning. Bus operators have resumed their regular trips, and weekend road-trippers are again planning their highland getaways. The reopening is a critical step in ensuring that the region’s tourism economy does not grind to a halt.
Engineered for Safety
Crews from the Department of Public Works and Highways worked around the clock to stabilize the crumbling slopes. Emergency teams drove 44 heavy steel sheet piles into the ground, sealed cracks in the concrete pavement, and cleared debris from the road. These temporary measures are designed to hold until permanent rehabilitation can be completed, allowing vehicles to pass while work continues.
Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially during sudden downpours. Heavy trucks remain diverted through the Maramag–Damulog–Carmen–Kidapawan–Digos bypass route. Passenger buses and light vehicles, however, can now traverse the highland highway, reconnecting communities separated by the landslides.
High-Altitude Adventures Resume
The BuDa Road is more than just a transport artery; it is a destination in itself. Travelers along this route enjoy stops at roadside cafés overlooking valleys, visits to cold-water springs, and overnight stays in pine-fringed mountain lodges. The reopening means that iconic spots like the Marilog Forest Reserve and the numerous durian and fruit stalls along the highway are accessible again.
For those seeking a cooler climate just two hours from Davao City, the restored route brings back the promise of spontaneous highland escapes. Families can once again pack their bags for a weekend of fresh air and scenic drives. The return of tourism along this corridor will also benefit local vendors and small businesses that depend on passing travelers.
A United Response to Crisis
The disaster displaced 14 families and destroyed five homes. The City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided immediate relief, while a local clan donated a 70-square-meter plot for relocation. The coordinated response showcased the community’s resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
As repair work continues, the DPWH remains committed to fully restoring the highway to its original capacity. For now, the reopening stands as a testament to the swift action of government agencies and the enduring spirit of the Davao-Bukidnon corridor.
