MGB identifies relocation sites for homeless typhoon victims

by SC Aro

La Trinidad, Benguet (24 October) — The Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) already identified some relocation sites for the victims of typhoon “Pepeng ” based on geological assessment and validation of their office.

Governor Nestor Fongwan said MGB-DENR submitted to the province listings of feasible sites for the construction of shelter for victims left homeless by typhoon “Pepeng.” The areas identified were recommended by the local government units and some government line agencies according to MGB-DENR-CAR Chief Geologist Fay Apil.

Based on Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council reports as validated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, a total of 447 houses were completely damaged in all of the 13 towns of the province while a total of 656 houses were partially damaged.

Apil said there were two sites proposed within the Benguet Corporation property in Itogon, one in Kelly, Gumatdang and Kalye Real in Tuding. But as per assessment of MGB-DENR, feasible area was a portion of the two-hectare Kalye Real intended for victims of Luneta, Loacan in Itogon.

However, Apil said Kalye Real is a patentable claim of the mining company. Although the Benguet Corp owns the underneath mineral rights, the surface rights claim is still on the process of being perfected.

In Puguis, two areas were assessed, one in Pine Breeze, Puguis and two sites at the Benguet State University (BSU) property in Tawang. Only lots 9 and 10 of the BSU property in Tawang are suitable as relocation site for little Kibungan victims.

A one-hectare private land located in Lower Coroz, Ambassador, Tublay was assessed as fit for relocation site. But Apil it is privately owned and the local government unit has to negotiate for its acquisition. This is intended for the landslide victims of lower Coroz.

According to Apil, a portion of the housing project of National Housing Authority in Tadiangan, Tuba could also be utilized for anybody who would like to avail.

Apil said the process of developing the areas will still take a long time especially for the privately owned areas. (PIA-Benguet)