Kennon Road okayed as national heritage site

June 2, 2018 Metro BLISTT

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the bill declaring Kennon Road as National Heritage Zone on May 28, 2018.
House Bill 7502, authored by Rep. Mark Go, mandates the Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) to coordinate with the local governments of Baguio City and Tuba to prepare the necessary plans for the restoration, rehabilitation, conservation and development of Kennon Road.
“Aside from being the shortest way going up to Baguio, it is also considered as the most scenic and the oldest mountain highway. This road was built during the American regime with the hard work of both local and foreign laborers,” Go explained.
Kennon Road, built in 1903, is one of the three major access roads leading up to Baguio City and Benguet.
HB7502 aims to “recognize the cultural and historical significance of Kennon Road as well as the ideals, values and traditions it represents.”
“Kennon Road played a significant role to the progress and growth of Baguio City and the Province of Benguet making it part of our nation’s historical and cultural heritage. It deserves to be recognized and preserved as a cultural heritage of the Cordillera,” Go said.
The bill also directs the DOT and DPWH to include the funds to be used for the implementation of this Act in their annual budget.
The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration and approval. ABN