Mt. Diwalwal residents urged to be wary of the hazards of their environment

MONKAYO, Compostela Valley, Nov. 22 (PIA) – A geologist from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the region reiterated a call for residents of Purok Depot, Barangay Ulip, Monkayo, Compostela Valley to relocate to safer ground.

Speaking during the Makigsayud Forum with the indigenous peoples of Barangay Ulip, MGB-11 geologist Allen June B. Buenavista advised residents to relocate immediately to safer areas once they notice that their environment is already prone to landslide and other environmental hazards.

He said Purok Depot is highly susceptible to landslides.

“Monitor your surroundings of cracks on the slopes all the time and report your observations to the authorities because your area is highly prone to landslides,” Buenavista said.

He said residents must be wary of tension cracks, especially those that are visibly leaking and the possible direction of the soil erosion.

Buenavista said water usually penetrates on tension cracks and causes the soil to erode.

He said residents in Purok Depot must leave the area as early as possible.

“But it entails the assessment of the barangay and municipal governments which will give approval to your new relocation site,” Buenavista said.

He said residents must have confidence on the integrity of their relocation site where their families have the confidence to stay.

Engr. Gerry Pedrico, chief weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Services Administration-Davao City Station, urged the indigenous peoples to be conscious of the occurrence of bad weather like heavy downpour and thunderstorms.

During the forum, he gave a crash course on the country’s weather system.       

He stressed that since Mt. Diwalwal area is susceptible to landslides caused by strong weather system, residents much follow the advisories issued through the radio or through their local officials down to the barangay leaders in order to keep their families from disasters.

Several residents of depots are composed of families of IPs, farmers and workers of small-scale mining in the Mt. Diwalwal mining complex earlier displaced by typhoon Pablo in 2012 and opted to resettle at Purok Depot. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)