EYES WIDE OPEN...

underground systems of water drainage, sinkholes and caves.

The investigation also revealed that the landslide was triggered by the “removal or weakening of underlying support”. This impairment of structural support underneath was attributed to two natural causes — ground shaking due to strong magnitude earthquakes in the past like the Bohol earthquake in 2013 and the presence of water saturated zones underneath the landslide areas. Hazard reduction plan

To mitigate the current risks posed by the identified hazards, ALQC, in close coordination with the city government of Naga and the DENR regional offices concerned, submitted a hazard reduction plan for DENR’s approval.

Now all eyes are on the agencies which are expected to approve and implement the plan. APO Cement

As for APO Cement, the company decided to implement additional drastic measures to remain viable given the continuing challenges of having to source raw materials from here and abroad.

APO Cement said it has suspended operations of its Davao cement terminal and one of its two kilns in Cebu following the suspension of ALQC, its main source of raw material.

I believe cement supply in the country, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, will definitely feel a squeeze by this decision as the Davao terminal holds and dispatches about 25,000 bags on a daily basis and the Cebu kiln is the “heart” of the cement manufacturing operations of the second largest plant in the Philippines.

The company is also looking at renegotiating the terms of its obligations with its suppliers and implementing a reduced workweek for the remaining employees.

Indeed, as I write this, the situation in Naga is not looking very positive, especially with some residents still in evacuation centers and are at risk of another disaster.

It’s not clear yet when the situation will improve, but I do hope there will not be another disaster in Naga or anywhere in the country.

Iris Gonzales’ e-mail address is eyesgonzales@gmail.com