Regional Director Leo Van Juguan of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has informed Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. that his office is recommending the permanent relocation of residents of 332 houses and the abandonment of some school buildings in five barangays in Isabela town, Negros Occidental, that are in danger of being hit by landslides.

Marañon yesterday said he will discuss the matter with Provincial Environment Management Office chief Ma. Aleta Nuñez.

Juguan informed the governor that the initial findings and recommendations of the MGB team headed by Dr. Leilanie Suerte, Senior Science Research Specialist, show that barangays Maytubig, Banog-banog, Riverside, San Agustin and Lima-Lima are potentially in danger of being affected by landslides during heavy rains and earthquakes.

The MGB recommended that residents of the affected barangays temporarily evacuate if there are heavy rains and earthquakes, but permanent relocation of the residents is highly recommended.

Huge boulders from the mountain above Maytubig could affect 200 families or 1,000 residents should a landslide occur, the MGB report said.

In Barangay Banog-Banog there are cracks in the slopes of the hills affecting 12 houses, the MGB report said.

There are also cracks in the barangay school buildings and the school grounds are sloping, the report said.

It is recommended that the damaged school buildings be abandoned and that new school buildings be constructed away from the slopes using mixed or light materials, the MGB report added.

In Barangay San Agustin three sitios – Balan, Kadlum and Pidpid - a landslide could affect 100 houses in the slopes and foot of the mountain, the MGB said.

In Sitio Hinagduan, Barangay Riverside, there are long cracks along the edge of the mountain that could endanger residents in the area, the MGB also said, but did not specify how many residents are in the area.

Possible areas to be affected from landslides in Barangay Lima-Lima are sitios Lao-ang and Mindapipi where there are 20 houses at the foot of the mountain, it said.

Given MGB’s findings it is hoped that the provincial government will consider its recommendations and promptly take the necessary actions, Juguan added.*CPG

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