Lot buyers advised to ask for geological, geohazard assessment

CEBU, Philippines – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned the public in buying lots from subdivisions on mountainous areas that have not undergone Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment as its safety against geologic or natural hazards is not guaranteed by the proper authorities.

This as the mines bureau once more reminds the public, especially those living in the upland areas, to take necessary precautionary measures against possible landslides and flashfloods that may be triggered by the bad weather that is bringing too much rain in the region.

MGB-7 regional director Roger de Dios stressed that mostly those living in the upland areas are at high risk of landslides because of the natural steep form of the soil.

Any steep area, whether with history of landslides or none, are always highly susceptible to a wide range of ground movement such as the falling of rocks and deep failure of slopes, said MGB-7 chief geologist Al Emil Berador.

De Dios noted the growing number of built houses inside subdivisions developed in mountain barangays all over Cebu.

He warned that not all have undergone the EGGA which only means that its safety and stability remains a puzzle unless developers or homeowners request for the EGGA.

“Whatever site development must be reviewed by the MGB para safe ang operations, at the same time to protect the environment. Since the EGGA was just implemented as an aftermath of the Cherry Hill Subdivision incident, not all were previously assessed, but the law is now strongly mandating for it,” de Dios said.

As persistent rain continues to weaken the foundation of the soil, de Dios said the public must be watchful of any signs of possible landslides such as cracks in the soil.

Berador also said that MGB does not usually recommend upland areas for residential functions because of its high susceptibility to geological hazards.

But de Dios said that some local government units and stubborn developers insist on an area to be occupied as residential site despite discouragement from the MGB.

Just like the portion of a land in Mananga Watershed which has been acquired by the city government of Talisay. De Dios said that MGB did not issue the land any clearance because the area is not advisable for settlement. It is near the river which made it prone to flashflood.

The site was currently adopted by the Gawad Kalinga which has already built several structures in the area seen to benefit the poor and houseless under a low cost housing program.

De Dios said that in the rainy days, like this, “MGB has never lacked advisories to the LGUs especially of areas in Cebu identified to be landslide prone areas.”

These areas are the barangays of Lusaran, Binaliw, Guba, Budlaan, Malubog, Buot-Taup, Busay, Sirao, Taptap, Tagbao, Tabunan, Pung-ol Sibugay, Sudlon II, Sudlon I and Sinsin.

These barangays were declared highly susceptible to landslide based on the results of geohazard assessment of mapping conducted so far in 25 municipalities and cities in Cebu.

Geohazard mapping is one of the flagship programs of the DENR to protect and preserve lives and properties through identification of various geologic features and the hazards associated to these features. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)