Northern Mindanao consists of the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin,Bukidnon,

Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental as well as the cities of Cagayande Oro (CDO),
Gingoog, Malaybalay, Valencia, Iligan, Ozamis and Oroquieta. However, focus will be
on areas which contribute significant volume needed by the company. Figure 1.1 shows
the spatial coverage of the study, which is divided into four corridors for a
more localized view of the logistics conditions and issues.
Legend:
Corridor 1: Eastern Misamis Oriental(green)
Areas along the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (BCIR) East of Cagayan de Oro (Tagoloan to
Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental) going toButuan City

Corridor 2: Western Misamis Oriental(blue)
Areas along the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (BCIR), West of Cagayan de Oro (Opol to
Lugait, Misamis Oriental) to include Iligan,Lanao del Norte & Misamis Occidental

Corridor 3: Eastern Bukidnon(orange)
Areas along the Sayre Highway from Cagayan de Oro to Quezon, Bukidnon

Corridor 4: Western Bukidnon(violet)
Areas along the Cagayan de Oro-Talakag Road including the town of Baungon, Bukidnon

A. Corridor 1: Eastern Misamis Oriental

It is one of the regions largest coconut-producing areas with the presence of
small to large coconut-based industries. Corridor 1 is also the home of the PHIVIDEC
Industrial Estate along Tagoloan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental, hosting 29
manufacturing companies and 62 service firms. The two-lane coastal highway is also
the major artery that connects Cagayan de Oro City to the agricultural provinces of
Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, through Davao
del Norte to Davao City. The highway stretches 170 kilometers to Butuan City and is in
fairly good condition with periodic maintenance by DPWH. Laden cargo trucks take
approximately five hours to bring cargoes from Butuan to Cagayan de Oro Port or
to MCT.

B. Corridor 2: Western Misamis Oriental

This coastal highway connects Cagayan de Oro City to the cities of Iligan,
Ozamis, Dipolog, Pagadian and Zamboanga. The Cagayan-Iligan link was developed in the1970s
and is fairly in good condition with concrete re-blocking undertaken last year. Owing to
its relatively flat terrain, this road probably carries the heaviest cargo loads comprising
of steel, cement and wood products. Along this very important stretch of national road is
the soon to be operational Laguindingan International Airport. Though current airfreight
export volume contribution is negligible, improving and protecting this road section is of
vital importance as the airports international status is expected to attract cargo traffic.

C. Corridor 3: Eastern Bukidnon

Sayre Highway is the portion of the Philippine national highway that starts from
Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City to Kabacan, North Cotabato passing through the province
of Bukidnon. This also connects Cagayan de Oro to Davao via Buda road which was
completed in early 2000 and shortens the north-southeast transit time for both cargo and
commuters. The Sayre Highway though paved predominantly by asphalt traverses
sections with deep ravines and cliffs such as the Manolo Fortich section, Mangima section and
Damay pass. Accidents involving hauling trucks carrying various Bukidnon products are
common occurrences along this stretch of national road. The hazardous road sections
are shown in Figures II.C.1 and II.C.2.Carmen Hill is one of the most difficult sections along
Sayre Highway and serves as the main trunk to and from the province of Bukidnon.
Carmen Hill section is a narrow two lane road, winding and steep. A short section has
been recently rehabilitated but was not widened. The peak hour traffic volume at this
section was around 500 vehicles per hour. As vehicles cannot gain momentum due to
congestion, vehicles are reduced to a crawl of approximately five kilometers per hour.
This is a no passing section but faster vehicles will always try to overtake laden trucks
which poses danger to motorists.

Figure II.C.1 Carmen Hill Section, between Puerto, Cagayan de Oro & Ala-
e,Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon



Figure II.C.2: Section of the Highway along Mangima Canyon


Mangima Canyon is dubbed as the Kennon Road of the South and the Purple Heart Canyon
by American Veterans. the zigzag road of Mangima Canyon at Manolo Fortich awes
visitors who visit the place with its naturally scenic spot. The road along the Sayre highway
however is a narrow two lane winding and steep affair and is also the site of hundreds
of accidents. This has been considered as the most dangerous of the entire Sayre highway
stretch. This section is unlit at night and chevron directional highway signs have been
stolen. A signage with the warning Watch out for falling rocks ahead warns motorists
of numerous dangers ahead. There is Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) Rest Area where motorists can cool their brakes and enjoy the fabulous view.

Figure 2.3: Hazardous Road Section: Mangima Canyon
D. Corridor 4: Western Bukidnon

The Cagayan-Talakag road is two lane concrete built and completed in early part
of 2000. Except for a few steep and winding sections, this road is in good condition and
traffic is sparse. Cargoes truck using this corridor encounter traffic congestion and road
friction upon descending from Carmen Hill (west side from SM Mall), with merging traffic
at the CDO 2
nd
bridge.
Traffic is heavy along Vamenta Boulevard up to Liceo de CagayanUniversity
before taking a left to Marcos bridge. This vital corridor is also used currently for the
Lumbia airport commuter and cargo traffic. The list of difficult road sections is given by
corridor in Table II.D.1 as enumerated by the truck operators and drivers.

Table II.D.1 Some Difficult Road Sections by Corridor

Source: Truckers Survey and Truck Drivers Interview. The terrain road geometry along these
sections forces trucks to reduce to low speed of 20 km/hour or lower.