Boljoon’s Ili Rock (Facebook Grab)
Two Cebu province officails said they have nothing against the ongoing excavation work on Boljoon town’s “Ili Rock” mountain if only to ensure the safety of residents and commuters from future landslides.
Rep. Wilfredo Caminero of Cebu’s 2nd district said he “briefed” the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the urgency of the need for a remedy after the landslide in the area triggered by last year’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
“It’s not my project. What I did was only to tell DPWH about the urgency of the situation. I told them that if any untoward incident happens in the area, at least the congressman in the district wala magtanga (wasn’t remiss in his duty),” he told Cebu Daily News in a text message.
The Boljoon municipal council passed a resolution on Nov. 17 appealing to the DPWH to immediately suspend the coastal project in sitio Talisay until a public hearing is done.
Fisherfolk complained about rocks and boulders dumped on the beach, affecting the access of their boats and their livelihood. The contractor QM Builders is carrying out “slope benching” done by the contractor which will carve step-like layers on the slopes.
“If there is a municipal resolution then we will determine how valid their concern is,” said Caminero. “For me, the urgency is high. I’m just looking at the danger for motorists in the area. No one knows when the next loose rock could fall,” he said.
According to DPWH, a large part of Ili Rock collapsed and blocked the national road below during the Oct. 15 earthquake last year. It took authorities 13 hours to clear the area.
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said public safety is more important.
The governor said he was told by Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama about the project last year. DPWH officials also “verbally”notified him on the project.
Davide said the province did not have a direct hand in the project since it involves a national road, while the DPWH and the municipal government of Boljoon coordinated with the operations.
“I remember meeting DPWH officials but that was only verbal. There was no formal communication, they just told me that they’ll fix that to prevent the recurrence of landslides,” he said.
“If the intention really is to protect the townsfolk from landslides, it’s only appropriate for DPWH to act on it,” the governor said.
Davide said he will send Capitol disaster officer Baltazar Tribunalo to assess the situation in the area.
“I will ask him to make a report,” he said.
Two DPWH contracts tapped P89 million in calamity funds from the national government for the work in Boljoon town.