Guv orders design for Arayat relocation site

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Governor Lilia Pineda has ordered the design of the relocation site in Barangay Telapayong in Arayat town to serve as temporary shelter for high risks areas near Mt. Arayat during strong rains and typhoons.

Governor Pineda told Sun.Star Pampanga that she has instructed the provincial engineer to design bunk houses in the 10-hectare land in the village. The area was acquired by the Provincial Government of Pampanga under an agreement with the National Housing Authority.

The governor said that the area would serve as temporary shelter for some 1,000 residents of San Juan Bano. She added that residents would be able to return to their homes once there is no threat of landslides.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reiterated that Mt. Arayat National Park remains “critical,” and landslides may occur anytime with heavy downpour.

On September 26, 2009, a landslide claimed the lives of 12 residents in Barangay San Juan Baño, Arayat town. The area was wiped out by strong mud flow and huge stones coming down from the mountain.

Governor Pineda has also asked the MGB to make an assessment of the overall condition of Mt. Arayat as well as mountains in Mabalacat, Porac and Floridablanca. She added that a comprehensive hazard assessment of these areas would better enable local officials to make sound decisions and plans for relocation or evacuation in case of calamities.