By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A newly completed concrete road leading to one of Butuan City’s popular mountain destinations is now being partially dismantled after cracks were discovered, prompting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to require the contractor to remove and replace the affected sections.
Photos showing heavy equipment breaking portions of the newly finished pavement at the Mt. Mayapay View Deck in Barangay Nong-nong circulated online, drawing questions from residents and visitors who wondered why a newly completed road was already undergoing repairs.
The issue gained attention after a social media post called on local authorities to explain the ongoing works, noting that Mt. Mayapay has been attracting more visitors and has significant potential as a tourism destination.
In a post, residents expressed concern over the timing of the repairs, asking why the newly completed road had to be dismantled and seeking clarification on the purpose of the ongoing activity.
The concern was first raised in a social media post by Che Cha, who called the attention of the Butuan City government and questioned the purpose of the ongoing road works.
“Bag-o pa gani nahuman ang kalsada, nganong kinahanglan man bakbakon na usab?( It was only recently completed, so why does it already need to be torn up again?)” the post said, urging authorities to provide a clear explanation about the activity.
The post came as Mt. Mayapay View Deck continues to gain popularity among visitors and is being promoted as a potential tourism destination in Butuan City.
“Instead of disrupting access, we hope that improvements will continue to support local tourism and the livelihood of the surrounding community,” the post added, while appealing for transparency regarding the ongoing work.
In an online interview with Inquirer, Connie Calo, DPWH Caraga Information Officer, confirmed that the agency’s Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) found defects during its inspection of the project.
Calo said the inspection identified issues not only on the surface of the cemented road but also on portions near the Mt. Mayapay View Deck, one of the most visited areas in the site.
The affected section is part of the Access Road Leading to Altar Falls project in Barangay Nong-nong, Butuan City, which was completed by the contractor on April 26.
According to DPWH, the inspection revealed “criss-cross cracks” on the completed Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), causing the section to fail the agency’s required quality standards.
The contractor initially explained that the cracks may have been caused by the high heat index experienced in Butuan City since last month.
However, after evaluation by the QAU, DPWH directed the contractor to undertake corrective measures, including the removal and replacement of the defective pavement sections at no additional cost to the government.
The contractor is HappyAll3 Builders/ME3 Construction , a joint venture project costing P95,499,796.64
DPWH said the corrective works are part of its quality assurance process to ensure that government infrastructure projects comply with required engineering specifications before final acceptance.
The agency added that the contractor’s final payment will only be processed after the completion and approval of the repair works.
DPWH Regional Office XIII assured the public that it continues to conduct inspection and monitoring of infrastructure projects to ensure their safety, durability, and compliance with standards.
“The activity incurs no additional cost to the govt; it is at the contractor’s expense as part of their corrective measures,” Calo said.
Mt. Mayapay View Deck has recently gained attention as a scenic destination in Butuan City, attracting visitors drawn to its panoramic views and natural landscape.
Residents have expressed hope that improvements in the area will continue to support tourism and nearby communities while ensuring that infrastructure projects are built to last.
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