Neil Ian O. Tagaan^1,, Jonathan B. Calibara¹

Roads are public assets whose pavement condition directly influences safety, mobility, and sustainability. Corridors in steep, high‑rainfall terrain with heavy truck traffic deteriorate quickly, requiring systematic evaluation. This study assesses a 51.541-km section of the Kapalong–Talaingod–Valencia (Bukidnon) Road (K1538+(-687) to K1588+854) using the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Visual Condition Index (VCI) . Multi‑year VCI records (2021–2024) were analyzed alongside a 2025 field survey to classify current conditions, identify distress types, and derive maintenance implications. Results show that Poor segments exhibit mixed cracking and surface wear, while Bad segments combine wide cracking, shattered slabs, and slope/road‑slip indicators . Five‑year trends reveal untreated sections sliding from Fair/Poor to Bad, whereas targeted interventions restored selected stretches to Good. Quarry haul traffic and geohazards emerged as key accelerants of deterioration. Prioritized treatment guidance is proposed: reconstruction for short failing stretches with structural distress; rehabilitation overlays for longer Poor sections; and preventive maintenance for Fair/Good corridors . Currently, 41.44% of the corridor is rated Fair, while 10.12% is rated Poor/Bad. Strategic implementation of preventive maintenance on Good/Fair sections, coupled with rehabilitation and reconstruction of isolated Bad spots, could by 2027 raise Good >50% and reduce Poor+Bad <5%, while closing the 4.27% data gap. These findings highlight the importance of proactive asset management in sustaining serviceability under challenging terrain and traffic conditions.

pavement condition, Visual Condition Index, mountain corridors, road maintenance, Philippines