Warning Signs Ignored

IN the wake of twin landslides happening within days in Benguet and Cebu and killing a total of over 100, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reminded concerned local government units (LGU) and other stakeholders to be “consistent and persistent” in referring to geohazard maps as a means to forestall disasters that could lead to tragic loss of lives and property.

And to fully enforce various environmental laws, including the laws that cover the highly extractive mining industry, both large-scale and small-scale, the official said he would lobby for the legislative approval of a proposal for the grant of police powers to the DENR in the enforcement of environmental laws.

The DENR had completed nearly five years ago the national geohazard mapping that it conducted over several years, and, following instructions from the Executive, had disseminated the maps to all relevant agencies, especially the LGUs that have primary responsibility for making their constituents know about these.

Oblivious

ENVIRONMENT Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU Concerns Benny Antiporda expressed dismay that many local officials remain oblivious of the threats posed by geological hazards like flood and landslide.

Antiporda, also deputy spokesman of Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, described as “unfortunate” the tragedy that struck Itogon, Benguet, and Naga City, early this month, saying such could have been prevented or avoided had the LGUs and the people only been more aware of the danger.

Antiporda told the Business- Mirror these geohazard maps are useful had they been integrated with disaster-risk reduction and management plans of LGUs.