DENR clarifies report that Baguio City is 90% susceptible to lanslides

by Lito Dar

Baguio City (7 November) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-CAR) clarified the report that the city is 90 percent vulnerable to landslide.

DENR Mines and Geo-science Bureau Regional Director Samuel Paragas explained during the kapihan forum Wednesday that they have only classified areas in the city in terms of landslide proneness such as low to none, moderate, critical and highly susceptible. He stressed that their geo-hazard mapping is meant more for mitigations rather for people to panic.

Paragas also remind the public that the Philippines belongs to the circum-pacific ring of fire that is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and Cordillera having the highest range of mountains is susceptible to erosion or landslides.

In the same forum, DENR-MGB Mines and Safety Division chief Zards Gacad also clarified that the percent figure is a summation of the various classifications. He explained that people should not look at the number as their geo-hazard mapping provides data on the vulnerability and risk or hazard susceptibility of the areas. Residents and the local government units should look at the vulnerability of the area so as they can have mitigation plans or put in place mitigation measures.

“Geo-hazard mapping gives us a guide, as we need correlation to mitigate or to lessen the negative effects of the possible hazard in each area. If we know the condition of the area we can apply mitigation measures, in terms of water supply, drainage and upon knowing the characteristic or nature of the area, there are also professional/experts such as architects and civil engineers who could design the appropriate structures,” Gacad added. (PIA)