ARAYAT, Pampanga – “We must act now before it is too late for some 170 families living at the foot of Mt. Arayat.”
Thus said Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda as she led an ocular inspection on Saturday of the danger zone at Barangay San Juan Bano, here.
Pineda was surprised to be informed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office that Puroks 6 and 7, San Juan Bano “are in a danger zone and residents are living in imminent danger” due to possible landslides.
The governor led the planting of some 10,000 mahogany trees to prevent massive erosion and “strengthen” the foot of Mt. Arayat but was shocked to learn from Community Environment and Natural Resources head Rommel Santiago that “relocation is a must for the affected residents.”
But Santiago stressed that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR “are the ones who must explain why there is a possible danger” in the area.
Businessman Levy Laus, chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham), described the situation in San Juan, Bano “as accident waiting to happen.” He agreed with Pineda that “relocation should be a priority.”
PamCham President Rene Romero, who joined Laus and Pineda in the inspection, said “they are more than willing to work with the governor.” He added that “environment is also a priority of PamCham.”
Mayor Chito Espino said they had shown to Pineda an area in San Juan Bano for the planned relocation site for the 170 affected families. He added that “it’s far enough from the danger zone.”
Thus said Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda as she led an ocular inspection on Saturday of the danger zone at Barangay San Juan Bano, here.
Pineda was surprised to be informed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office that Puroks 6 and 7, San Juan Bano “are in a danger zone and residents are living in imminent danger” due to possible landslides.
The governor led the planting of some 10,000 mahogany trees to prevent massive erosion and “strengthen” the foot of Mt. Arayat but was shocked to learn from Community Environment and Natural Resources head Rommel Santiago that “relocation is a must for the affected residents.”
But Santiago stressed that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR “are the ones who must explain why there is a possible danger” in the area.
Businessman Levy Laus, chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham), described the situation in San Juan, Bano “as accident waiting to happen.” He agreed with Pineda that “relocation should be a priority.”
PamCham President Rene Romero, who joined Laus and Pineda in the inspection, said “they are more than willing to work with the governor.” He added that “environment is also a priority of PamCham.”
Mayor Chito Espino said they had shown to Pineda an area in San Juan Bano for the planned relocation site for the 170 affected families. He added that “it’s far enough from the danger zone.”
