Bontoc agri-infra damage due to earthquake P37M+

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province- The damage to agriculture and infrastructure caused by the July 27 earthquake in the capital town has reached P37, 558, 161.80 as of August 4, 2022.
    This was reported during the 3rd Quarter Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) on August 10, 2022, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium. 
    MDRRM Officer Johanna Padaen reported that the damages to infrastructure include Ato or Dap-ay, pathways, Day Care Centers, barangay halls, schools, Barangay Health Stations, and other structures to include private houses. The initial amount of damages to infrastructure totals to P34, 156,000.00.
    The damage to agriculture has reached P3, 402,161.80. The damage was recorded on livestock, poultry, and agricultural assets including rice, high-value crops, and rice granaries. 
     The initial cost of damages was based on the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) conducted by the Municipal Infrastructure Audit Team to the 16 barangays of Bontoc, and reports from the respective Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs).
    On damaged structures, Bontoc has recorded 167 damaged houses. Of the total, 160 are partially damaged while seven are totally damaged. The totally damaged houses to include two in Alab Proper, four in Mainit, and one in Talubin were found not safe for occupancy, thus, relocation of the occupants were recommended.
On damages to schools, the Dalican National High School (Building 1) is structurally unsafe and unfit for occupancy. 
    The other buildings and structures with partial damages are safe for occupancy as per recommendation from the Municipal Infrastructure Audit Team. 
    Meanwhile, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Araceli Shane Bayanos reported that 534 families or 2,747 individuals were affected by the tremor. As an immediate response, DSWD food packs were provided to the affected families. Also, those who evacuated at the evacuation centers were given hygiene kits from the Bontoc LGU through the MDRRM Office. 
    Bontoc Mayor and MDRRMC Chairperson Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., thanked and lauded all the workforce and volunteers for their prompt response when the earthquake occurred.
    "During the most difficult times, we saw the best in us. The spirit of Ogogfo is innate in us. This is what keeps us going and what makes us resilient to any eventualities and challenges that come our way," the mayor added.