Armed with jackhammers and steel bars, residents worked together to transfer rocks from the collapsed mountain in Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet, on Tuesday, November 11.
This effort aims to restore proper water flow and prevent nearby houses from flooding.
According to Engr. Cyril Batcagan, Chief of LDRRMO Virac, Itogon, Benguet, “We are moving the rocks and restoring the waterway so that in case another landslide occurs, it won’t reach the houses.”
“Even though we do this manually, what’s great is that everyone helps out,” said Jim.
Around 400 residents from eight sitios joined the clearing operation, a crucial task as Typhoon Pepito threatened to lash Luzon.
Although they managed to clear the waterway, heavy rain caused by the typhoon once again buried it under rocks and debris. Residents are tirelessly cleaning it up.
Thirteen families evacuated from the area have yet to return home as clearing operations continue.
“It might take another three days to complete,” Batcagan mentioned.
According to PAGASA, Typhoon Pepito could hit Central Luzon or the Cordillera region by Sunday, November 17.
**VANESSA BUGTONG
