By CESAR JOLITO III
La Castellana Vice Mayor Rhummyla “Mhai” Nicor-Mangilimutan is calling on concerned government agencies to speed up the clearing and dredging of Tamburong Creek in Barangay Biak na Bato, after rising waters forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents from three barangays over the weekend.
The local government has repeatedly requested assistance from the provincial government and national agencies to address the silted creek, which has been heavily blocked by hardened lahar deposits.
However, Nicor-Mangilimutan lamented that no final decision has been made on how to resolve the problem.
“Ang ginaistoryahan diri kabuhi. Dapat ulihudan kag dali-on sang mas mataas nga mga opisyal [ang dredging],” the vice mayor stressed, noting that residents are losing hope as they continue to deal with the aftermath of Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption, the management of evacuees, and now, persistent flooding threats.
“This is about protecting lives. Indi na pwede padugayon pa,” she stressed, renewing her appeal for urgent intervention before the situation worsens.
She added that the municipal government has already passed several resolutions but cannot act further without risking violations of existing laws.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has advised that lahar deposits can be removed but should not be transported outside the area.
Nicor-Mangilimutan suggested that instead of discarding the hardened lahar, it could be utilized for land development and other local projects, ensuring both safety and productivity for the municipality.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental 5th District Congressman Atty. Dino Yulo also urged the DENR to immediately issue a special permit that would allow the clearing of Tamburong Creek.
Yulo stressed that the lahar-blocked waterway must be dredged as soon as possible to prevent further flooding, after nearly 100 individuals were evacuated when water overflowed into nearby homes.
“Kinahanglan gid mag-issue sang special permit ang DENR agud matigayon ang pagpanghawan sa sapa nga gintapan sang nagmala nga lahar halin sa Bulkan Kanlaon,” Yulo said, echoing the concerns of residents who have long called for the dredging of the creek to ensure their safety./CJ, WDJ