PB member raises alarm over continuous landslide in Sogod

Local

A MEMBER of the Cebu Provincial Board has raised concerns over the continuing landslide along the national road in Sogod town, northern Cebu.

Ex-officio Board Member Celestino "Tining" Martinez III brought his concern during the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan's Oct. 5 regular session.

Martinez, who is from Bogo City, said the repeated landslides and falling debris in the area are associated with the 6.9-magnitude quake that hit northern Cebu in September 2025.

A year after the major earthquake, debris continues to fall in Sitio ME that seriously poses a risk to passing motorists, Martinez said.

In a privilege speech, Martinez said this does not only affect ordinary travelers but also disrupts businesses, workers, students, emergency services, and even the movement of essential goods and services to northern Cebu.

He called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 5th Engineering District to present concrete permanent measures to address the continuing hazard.

Clearing operations whenever a landslide occurs is just a temporary fix, said Martinez.

"We need to know whether the area has undergone a comprehensive geotechnical assessment, whether slope protection and stabilization measures are being implemented, whether 24-hour early warning and safety traffic systems are in place, and what long-term engineering interventions are being considered," Martinez said.

He emphasized that concerned authorities must consider that Cebu is entering the season in which weather disturbances may be experienced that could trigger incidents of landslides.

"Simbako nga naa na pud mahitabo nga bagyo or unsa, ang mahitabo mo liko pa Central Highway to Tuburan and Tabuelan, layo na kaayo ang tuyokan," Martinez said.

Martinez urged officials not to wait for a tragedy to happen before taking action. He formally filed an incidental motion calling on the DPWH 5th Engineering District and DPWH-7 to attend the next regular session to answer queries from the board members.(MyTVCebu)