La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalando-on welcomed the Regional Project Validation and Evaluation Team (RP-VET) recently at City Hall, and discussed proposals, in line with the landslide area in Brgy. Ara-al proper.
Entitled “Rehabilitation/Improvement of Existing Tunnel, Construction of Revetment Along Dalupia River and Construction of Proposed Slope Stabilization and Protection”, the proposed project has an estimated cost of P300 million, the city said.
Led by the Office of Civil Defense Region 6, the RP-VET is composed of representatives from the regional offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, National Irrigation Administration, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The validation report of the RP-VET is one of the requirements before the project can be endorsed to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, that is expected to meet on Dec. 20.
The city said that nine landslides occurred in Brgy. Ara-al proper since Typhoon Odette in 2021. From the surface, there is a 40-60 meter drop to Dalupia River. Two years ago, the distance of the landslide from the road was six meters; now, it was reduced to four meters.
The erosion accelerates every time it rains, and half of the barangay is considered at risk, including the elementary school, the city said, adding the local government already relocated 12 houses and has implemented other stopgap measures, like the passage of a “No Build Ordinance”, fencing and concreting.
Among the city officials present at the validation meeting and inspection were Councilor Fini Jalandoni, DRRMO head Dr. Junnie Torrefranca, city planner Engr. Jose Ainar Apdol, tourism office chief Karen Aguirre, city social welfare officer Angie Gelongo, city vet Dr. Caesar Catabas, DILG LGOO Judy Bacule, ENRMO head Noel Gamilla, city assistant engineer June Vi Calan, project team leader Ian Canlas, and the Brgy. Ara-al Council, led by punong barangay Carlos Natuel Jr.
Together with the mayor, they accompanied the RP-VET team during the validation in Brgy. Ara-al. ||
