The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Philippines has revealed that the PHP5.2bn ($119m) road projects in the Cordillera are 93% complete and will be open for traffic this year.

The projects include the PHP1.9bn ($43m) rehabilitation of phases two and three of the Halsema highway from Bauko to Bontoc Mountain province and Bontoc to Banaue, Ifugao.

Also the PHP3.3bn ($75m) upgrade of the Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao road, which inter-connects the central Cordillera to the Cagayan Valley, is 73% complete, with full completion expected in April.

The Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao road completion has faced impending road-right-of-way problems in Kalinga, and negotiations are underway between the agency and local officials to settle the issue.