According to Philippine National Police Data in 2024, as reported by Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Edward Tandingan during the Biyaheng Kalusugan on Road Safety Celebration and PuroKalusugan on May 22, 2025, there were at least 180 recorded vehicular incidents in Kalinga. Of these, 136 incidents occurred in Tabuk City.
Two incidents happened in Balbalan, two in Lubuagan, one in Pasil, 17 in Pinukpuk, 16 in Rizal, one in Tanudan, and five in Tinglayan.
The highest number of incidents was reported in December, with 77 cases, all occurring in Tabuk City. It is important to note, said Tandingan, that the city has a larger population, accounting for over 53% of the province’s population, which partly explains the higher incident count.
According to the report, the main causes of the incidents were mostly due to human error, road conditions, and mechanical errors, with most incidents involving two-wheel vehicles.
Dr. Tandingan said that “there are a lot more males than females who are dying”, also stressing the 29 recorded deaths last year, primarily among individuals aged 15 to 24.
“Dagitoy nga bilang ket saan laeng nga basta numero, dagitoy nga bilang ket irepresent na dagiti kakailyan tayo nga nadangran ken pimmusayen gapu ti vehicular crash incidents,” said Governor James Edduba in his call for action.
He urged everyone to work together towards better road situations through these kinds of programs that promote responsible roadway use, saying “Agtitinnulong tayo garud para iti natalged nga dalan ken nasayaat nga masakbayan.”
“Every life is precious, adun ti nadadail ken napukaw a biag gapu iti negligence ken kinaawan disiplina iti kalsada,” he added.
DOH-Cordillera Regional Director Ferdinand Benbenen also called for action, urging people to join the road to safety and wellness through Byaheng Kalusugan Project. “Let’s all commit to the one goal: ‘Arrive, Alive’,” he said. By Rio Bassong
