Villaba: The local government here is preparing to relocate at least 194 families, or about 600 individuals, from Tagbubunga village to a safer area, following the recommendation of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) amid the risks of rockslides.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Vincent Veloso stated that these residents live near a rockslide-prone area, placing their lives at risk not only during the rainy and typhoon seasons but also amid the series of aftershocks being felt from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu, located over 40 kilometers from Villaba town. A rockslide incident on October 3, following a strong aftershock, prompted panic among residents who fled to safer ground. MGB personnel who assessed the area afterward advised the local government to evacuate the residents to prevent further danger.
Currently, affected families are temporarily staying in tents at the barangay covered court, while others are sheltered inside the classrooms of Tagbubunga Elementary School or staying with relatives in nearby communities. Veloso mentioned that the local government needs at least two hectares of land for the relocation site and will seek the assistance of Leyte 3rd district Rep. Anna Veloso-Tuazon to secure funding for the construction of housing units. "We are looking for a lot within the village and not too far from their farms so that they can continue to cultivate their lands even after relocation," Veloso said.
However, some residents have expressed opposition to the relocation plan, citing their long-time residence in the area, the investments they made in building their homes, and the distance of the proposed relocation site from their source of livelihood. "We will consult higher officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the governor for further advice since there is already a recommendation for evacuation and relocation," Veloso stated.
One of the affected residents, Marichu Ondinato, said they no longer plan to return to their old home due to fear of another rockslide. "We're scared and still traumatized. We'll just look for another place to build our new home, even if it's small," Ondinato expressed. The rockslide and earthquake have also disrupted classes for more than 200 students of Tagbubunga Elementary School, whose classrooms are now being used as temporary shelters.
School officials have decided to shift to modular learning, with teachers preparing printed lessons for parents to collect and guide their children at home. Grade 2 teacher Maria Corazon Demeterio, whose classroom is being used as a temporary shelter, said the situation has significantly affected her students' learning progress. "My plan is to bring in students who are struggling to read and teach them face-to-face here in the classroom. Face-to-face learning is still more effective," Demetrio said. At least 10 classrooms within the campus have been declared unsafe for use due to visible cracks after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
