‘Killer mountain’ to undergo rehabilitation

By Dexter A. See

TADIAN, Mountain Province — The municipal government here will shell out P4 million from its local funds to jumpstart the rehabilitation of the so-called “killer mountain” in Kayan East to ensure the safety of local residents who are in danger of being affected if a huge portion of it will be eroded because of future natural calamities.

The commitment was made by municipal officials led by Mayor Constito Masweng and Vice Mayor Febi Cawilan to members of the Kayan Disaster Coordinating Committee dispelling earlier reports local residents are allegedly fighting over the assistance being given them.

Major works to be undertaken in the 400 meters by 150 meters mountain slope which poses a serious threat to over 120 households in Kayan East, includes the clearing of the drainage system and the benching of the area to reduce its threats to life and limb.

However, Dr. Nieves A. Dacyon, president of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) and KDCC chairperson, said the amount to be given by the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council is just an initial fund to ensure the immediate implementation of rehabilitation works in the hazardous mountain.

Experts from the Cordillera office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) cited the need to clear the clogged drainage of the mountain plus the benching of the steep slope so that its high risk stature will be downgraded and the lives of hundreds of individuals to be affected will be spared from eminent danger.

Based on the survey conducted by experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) central office, at least P10 million is required to implement benching of the slope and the clearing of the drainage facility for the safety of life and limb.