After rockslide MGB urges transfer of elementary school

CEBU, Philippines- State environment officers have recommended the transfer of Manipis Elementary School following a rockslide in its present location.

The school sits on a slope in Camp 6, Barangay Manipis, Talisay City and yesterday, two boulders measuring 1.5 meters by 2 meters damaged a bamboo-walled, two-classroom building that houses grade three students.

The school has five buildings and has at least 300 pupils from kindergarten to grade six. The problem is that it is surrounded by limestone boulders that are actually debris of a landslide that happened long before.

"The location of the school is within a high to very high landslide susceptibility rating as assessed by our chief geologist Al Emil Berador and senior geologist Josephine Aleta," said Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 Director Loreto Alburo.

Residents in the barangay have told a team from MGB that they have experienced heavy rains for at least three days straight, which may have caused the rockslide yesterday.

Alburo said relocating the school would be the most sensible, long-term solution to ensure the safety of the teachers and students. He urged the local government of Talisay and the Department of Education to establish slope stabilization programs by removing the hazardous boulders.

Berador said there are some sections of the ground in the area that have manifested movement and the limestone boulders that are on higher ground can be easily moved down the slope during an earthquake or during heavy rains.

"Slope saturation by water is a primary cause of landslides and it can occur in the form of intense rainfall particularly if it comes for more than two days," Alburo added.

"It is strongly advised to all communities particularly those who are living near the foot of the mountain and other critical areas to be at all times vigilant and cautious as landslide occurs without warning," he added.

On August 4, MGB 7 issued a landslide advisory to Barangay Manipis.

It recommended that the barangay observe and monitor the presence of mass movement and report to authorities; observe saturated ground or seeps and sunken displaced road surfaces; conduct a pre-emptive evacuation during heavy rains; develop early warning system; and to communicate constantly and provide updates to barangay officials.

The advisory was received by Barangay Captain Emma Cabiluna.

Alburo said several sections of the Manipis road that are highly prone to landslides or rock fall so residents in these areas must exercise extreme caution.

In a separate development, MGB-7 has recommended to the principal of the Don Emilio Canonigo Memorial National High School in Barangay Pangdan, Naga City to resume classes as the slope near the school has been stabilized. The classes were suspended last July 31.

Apo Cemex Cement Corporation provided a backhoe and bulldozer to help to remove or topple down unstable slope materials in the area.  —/JMO) (FREEMAN)