Landslide victims receive aid; command center in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government through the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) gave financial assistance to families in Barangay Sirao who were affected by landslides that occurred in January this year.

Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo, deputy mayor for infrastructure, said 114 affected families in Barangay Sirao were given P20,000 each last Wednesday.

It was earlier reported that the landslides in Barangay Sirao were caused by earth movement and resulted in several infrastructures being covered in soil.

Guardo said the government’s offer to provide a free relocation site in Barangay Guba, which is more than three kilometers away from Barangay Sirao, still stands.

“Unfortunately, layoan lang sila, most of them. But then ato silang gi-encourage nga to avail of this opportunity kay libre na gud ning offer sa city. Wa ta kahibalo, basin ang inyong anak or inyong apo might be interested. At least they have their own nga yuta na nga kabalhinan na,” he said.

For now, there are no more landslides reported and the areas where landslides occurred have dried up due to lesser rain, which also caused noticeable cracks in the soil, he said.

“But again, during rainy season, landslide will continue so we’re identifying possible alternative route or diversion route,” he said.

He said alternative or diversion routes are necessary to lessen the risk and inconvenience on the residents of Barangay Sirao.

Meanwhile, the financial assistance for about 20 families of Barangay Adlaon, who were also affected by landslides, is still being processed.

Guardo also said there are identified infrastructures that need rebuilding due to damage. However, they will still be needing clearance from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on the areas to make sure that these are safe, stable, and free from the occurrence of sinkholes and landslides.

Command center

 In Talisay City, the Aboitiz Foundation turned over a two-story multi-purpose command center worth P5 million to Talisay city government yesterday.

It was attended by the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Visayan Electric Company, Jaime Jose Aboitiz,  and VECO  COO Anton Marie Perdices, City Mayor Eduardo Gullas and other city officials.

The building will house the city's fire department, police station outpost, traffic control and Disaster Risk Reduction Office.

Last June 13, the building broke ground and construction was completed in just five months.

Mayor Eduardo Gullas, in his speech, thanked the Aboitiz family for the realization of the building because of their “legendary generosity.”

He disclosed that aside from utilizing the building as the city’s command center, it will also be used as an evacuation center.

In an interview, Gullas said that he will give the equipment that the command center will need.

For his part, Alvin Santillana, City of Talisay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Head said that they are planning to have an emergency hotline in the center. (FREEMAN)