BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Kennon Road, the most scenic route to the summer capital, will be open to light vehicles headed up for the weekend, as the city hosts pre-yuletide events at the Burnham Park.
The iconic zigzag road had been closed to traffic for repairs due to frequent erosions triggered by rains. Only residents living along Kennon have been allowed passage through the century-old Baguio landmark.
Since Friday night (Nov. 22), Kennon has been open but only for motorists driving up to Baguio, and will close once more to traffic at 6 p.m. on Monday (Nov. 25), according to the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Task Group Kennon.
Private vehicles weighing 5 tons and below “are advised to observe the speed limit (20kph) and traffic rules, especially when going for a stopover at the Lion’s Head,” a local advisory says.
Arriving tourists through the Marcos Highway who wish to visit the Lions Head must seek clearance from the police checkpoint at Kennon before they may drive there. The guests are required to surrender valid identification cards which may be reclaimed once they return from the Lions Head.
The city expects tourists to troop to the free public performances by the Bayanihan Dance Troupe on Saturday (Nov. 24) and the Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday (Nov. 25) at Burnham Park, which is part of the city’s “Enchanted Baguio” programs for Christmas and New Year.