Rockslide in Calbayog due to unabated quarrying says DPWH

By PIA Samar
January 6, 2010

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  The unabated quarrying in Barangay Peña, Calbayog City has caused the rockslides in Barangay Peña, Calbayog City.

This is what Engr. Virgilio Eduarte of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st Engineering District in Samar told to DYOG Calbayog in an interview.

The engineer noted that quarrying operations are going on in Tinambacan District in Calbayog City.

The incessant rains have aggravated the condition of the soil since the onset of New Year 2011 thus, boulders from uphill fell down on the highway.

The highway is part of the Daang Maharlika that motorists going to Luzon and Mindanao are using. Eduarte added that the office has warned residents about quarrying, but because this is the only livelihood they know, they ignored the order.

Engr. Eduarte said that his office will coordinate with the Local Government Unit of Calbayog and CENRO to devise means to prevent the rockslide in that area.

Presently, the PNP is supporting DPWH through establishing a chokepoint where they regulate the flow of traffic. The DPWH undergoes clearing operations every thirty minutes, so the PNP regulates the flow of vehicles, after sometime, the road is opened to the motorists again.

The boulders are removed from uphill so as not to endanger motorists.