Kiangan, Ifugao faces the threat of rain-induced landslides along its roads from January to December. Although there are limited resources and national assistance, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), together with the community residents, the continues to lead in keeping roads clear and communities safe.
Landslides have become a well-known hazard for the residents of Kiangan, particularly along the roads of Poblacion, Kiangan to Tinoc and other barangay roads. This natural disaster not only affects daily life but also threatens the livelihood of local farmers who rely on these roads to transport their crops to the market.
Furthermore, the LDRRMO established a strong coordination system.
“Whenever landslides occur, we make sure that the PNP, BFP, and Barangay Officials are present to help with road clearing operations,” said Ann Grace D. Dumangeng, LDRRMO Officer II.
However, the fight against landslides is far from easy. Dumangeng revealed that “despite the repeated requests for assistance from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), they have not yet received any response.”
In addition, budget constraints affect the ability of local authorities to implement long-term solutions, leaving communities vulnerable from this type of calamity.
On the other hand, the residents have shown adaptability and cooperation by actively participating in clearing operations whenever disaster happens.
“Kapag may nangyayaring landslide sa barangay ay nakikitulong kami lalo na sa mga road clearing activities. Sinisiguro rin namin na walang maiiwan na stranded along the road (When landslides happen in a barangay, we help with the road clearing activities. We also make sure that no one will get stranded along the road),” a resident said during an interview.
Furthermore, as Kiangan continues to struggle with the persistent threat of rain-induced landslides, the participation of the residents and the proactive response of LDRRMO still serves as a mechamism of the community in disaster response.
However, Dumangeng said that without enough support coming from the national government, the problem will still continue.
“Hindi naman talaga natin maiiwasan ang landslides kasi ang Kiangan ay very prone doon, lalo na kasi paiba-iba ang weather. Pero we hope na the national government will still prioritize our request (We cannot fully avoid landslides because Kiangan is prone to that, especially with the sudden changes in weather. However, we still hope that the national government will prioritize our request),” she plead.// Elaiza B. Castillejos, BSU-DevCom Intern