Davao — Nearly a month after the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026, the Department of Public Works and Highways–Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) has officially confirmed that all national roads in Davao Occidental are now fully passable. This milestone follows six days of intensive, non-stop clearing operations led by DPWH engineering teams, who worked tirelessly to remove debris from 18 separate landslide sites across the municipalities of Malita, Don Marcelino, and Jose Abad Santos. The reopening of the Malita-Jose Abad Santos (JAS)-Glan road network marks a significant step forward in the province's recovery, ensuring that vital transport corridors are once again open to public and humanitarian traffic.
Engineering Resilience Amidst Crisis
While the earthquake left a lasting impact on the region’s landscape, the DPWH-Davao has assured the public that the core infrastructure—including major bridges—remains structurally sound. During a media forum held on July 1, 2026, spokesperson Dean Ortiz emphasized that the road closures were strictly a result of debris from mountainous slopes rather than a failure of the road structures themselves. Regarding public concern over the integrity of major bridges in Davao City, engineers clarified that visible movement during and after the tremor is part of the structures' intended design to absorb seismic impact. These bridges, equipped with modern expansion joints, have passed rigorous safety inspections, confirming that they remain safe for daily vehicular use.
Restoring Livelihoods and Logistics
The clearing of these roads has been a critical component of the wider humanitarian effort, which has seen over ₱111 million in aid distributed to affected families as of late June. With the Malita-JAS-Glan network back in operation, the delivery of food packs, medical supplies, and emergency cash assistance to the most isolated communities has been significantly expedited. Additionally, the breach of a major landslide-induced "natural dam" in Barangay San Isidro, Jose Abad Santos, on June 24, has further alleviated risks to local infrastructure. As the province shifts from emergency response to recovery, the provincial government continues to monitor areas for potential rockfalls, working alongside the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to ensure that the ongoing reconstruction of local livelihoods proceeds in a safe and secure environment.
