Aspiras–Palispis Highway

Aspiras–Palispis Highway (formerly known as Marcos Highway) is a Philippine major highway in northern Luzon that runs from the city of Baguio to the municipality of Agoo in the province of La Union.

The 47.17 km^[1] highway traverses the Benguet municipality of Tuba, and the La Union municipalities of Pugo, Tubao, and Agoo.

It is one of the three main roads used by motorists and travelers to access Baguio from the lowlands.^[2] The highway's several rehabilitation and development efforts^[3] led to the road's categorization as an "all-weather road",^[4] and is the preferred highway by motorists to use over the older Kennon Road. ^[5]

History

Marcos Highway was renamed into Aspiras–Palispis Highway on October 31, 2000 with the issuance of Republic Act 8971.^[6] The highway section covering Baguio City and Benguet province was designated as the Ben Palispis Highway in honor of former Benguet Governor Ben Palispis. The La Union section of Marcos Highway was named Jose D. Aspiras Highway after Filipino politician Jose D. Aspiras.^[5][6] However, the former name is considered by people to be more familiar and is still preferred by most. ^[7]

The Palina Bridge, situated along the Benguet-La Union provincial border, serves as the boundary between the two highways.^[8]

Junctions

Notable Landmarks

Bust of President Ferdinand Marcos before its destruction in 2002

The 519 meter-long Badiwan Viaduct, constructed in 2001, serves as a major bridge along Badiwan, Barangay Poblacion in Tuba, Benguet.^{[9] [10]} Several meters from it is a concrete tunnel to protect motorists from landslides.^[5]

The blasted remains of the Marcos Bust,^[11] a giant concrete head sculpture of the former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos can be seen along the highway at Barangay Palina, in Pugo, La Union. ^{[12] [13]}

See also

• Highways in the Philippines

References

Coordinates: 16°22′43″N 120°32′29″E / 16.3786°N 120.5414°E / 16.3786; 120.5414