Governor Lilia G. Pineda asked concerned barangay and municipal officials of Arayat town to undertake urgent precautionary measures and prevent another landslide tragedy as huge boulders were found at Mt. Arayat which could endanger the lives and properties of the residents at the slope of the mountain.
This developed as the governor met with Arayat Mayor Luis Espino and members of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in the locality during the turn-over ceremonies of tricycle units to each of the town’s 30 barangays as their service patrol vehicles.
The governor showed the local officials some photos of the boulders found at Mt. Arayat and stressed the need to implement necessary measures and strategies as she fears the repeat of another landslide similar to what occurred at the height of typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
She likewise invited 703rd Army Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Gregorio Catapang, Provincial Police Director Edgardo Tinio, Mayor Luis Espino and barangay officials concerned to join her in the actual inspection of the site and come up with an accurate assessment of the dangerous situation.
Pineda also took the opportunity to inspect the newly-completed 57 out of the 120 target housing units for the victims of the landslide tragedy in San Juan Bano, Arayat.
The national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is funding the construction of the housing project while the governor committed to shoulder the cost of labor for their construction as counterpart of the provincial government.
Last year, the provincial capitol spent P5 million for the construction of 64 bunkhouses and provided other necessary relief assistance and services to the landslide victims.
Pineda assured Mayor Espino and the other officials of Arayat that the provincial government will provide the necessary support and services to address the peace and order, health and environmental concerns including construction of roads, schools and provision of water supply.
She also enjoined the local officials to continue their support in the various programs of the provincial government and ensure the maintenance of peace and order and delivery of health services and implementation of solid waste management.
The barangay officials expressed their gratitude to the governor saying that the service patrol vehicles given them would facilitate their monitoring activities in their respective communities, especially those in far-flung areas.
Also, the barangay tanods received uniform T-shirts from the chief provincial executive as they pledged their commitment to intensify further their services.
The governor is joined by PSWDO Head Elizabeth Baybayan, PESO Head Luningning Vergara, PEO Head Engr. Renato Gutierrez, PDRRMC Head Engr. Lulu Alingcastre, Board Members Raul Macalino, Monina Laus and Trina Dizon in the multi-developmental events in the said municipality. (Erlinda T. Yutuc, Pampanga PIO)
