Landslide-prone school needs riprap structure

CEBU, Philippines- The Talisay City Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has recommended for the immediate rehabilitation and construction of the riprap structure beside the Manipis Elementary School.

LDRRM officer Vince Monterde said the school's old riprap structure gave in last week after it was hit by large rocks courtesy of a series of landslides.

This resulted to soil and boulders cascading down the school, causing classes to be suspended.

According to Monterde, the barangay officials in Manipis have a difficult time looking for a permanent relocation site for the school.

Manipis is about 15 kilometers away from the city proper. One of its landslide-prone areas is Sitio Campinsa, located in the topmost part of the barangay.

"Atong girekomendar ni Mayor Johnny De los Reyes ang dinaliang pagpahigayon og riprapping sa kilid sa Manipis Elementary School human wala'y lugar nga kabalhinan sa maong eskuwelahan," Monterde said.

In a separate interview, Manipis barangay captain Emma Cabiluna admitted that they have difficulty in looking for a relocation site for the school.

"Bisan asa na lang mi nangita og kabalhinan sa eskuylahan apan wala gyud mi nakakita og lugar nga kabalhinan," Cabiluna said.

Last August 4, Mines and Geosciences Bureau-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.

There are several sections of the Manipis road that are highly prone to landslides or falling rocks so residents in these areas must exercise extreme caution, MGB said.

The school has five buildings and has at least 300 pupils from kindergarten to grade six levels.

Officials said the problem is it is surrounded by limestone boulders that are actually debris of a landslide that happened long before.