As early as 6 in the morning, Roger, a UV Express driver, starts loading passengers.  

Every day, he travels between Rosario, La Union, and Baguio City.  

But since Kennon Road was closed, his trips have been reduced to one-way journeys only.  

“It’s a big income cut, but it’s still better than Marcos Highway,” says Roger Fortez, a van driver.

His daily earnings of 1,000 pesos have now dropped to just 500 pesos.  

He can only wait for the road to reopen.  

“I hope they finish it soon because the residents are also suffering,” Fortez added. 

Last week, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) began working on an alternative route.  

However, some workers are aiming to open the route by next week.  

Meanwhile, the DPWH is expected to begin construction of a temporary bridge to replace the collapsed portion of the road.  

Once it’s completed, the alternate route will be closed.  

The temporary bridge is expected to be finished within three weeks.  

**Vanessa Bugtong