DRRMO recommends 15 areas as no-build zones in Davao City; existing structures to be demolished

THE DAVAO City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has identified 15 areas that are highly prone to floods and landslides, and will recommend for these to be declared as “no-build and habitation zones.” In a press statement from the city government on Tuesday, CDRRMO chief Alfredo D. Baloran said his office has already prepared its recommendation to manage risks and prevent loss of lives and properties. “The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council already adopted our recommendation, we will make a resolution to be endorsed by the City Council for implementation,” Mr. Baloran said. He added that all existing structures inside the no-build and habitation zones will be demolished by the City Engineer’s Office. “We are doing this to ensure that they will be safe from calamities. It is better if we will adopt mitigating measures. Those areas are dangerous for people, especially during the rainy season,” Mr. Baloran said. He added that before the demolition is implemented, the city housing unit will conduct a survey of all residents living in the identified areas to determine if they qualify for housing relocation.

IDENTIFIED AREAS
The identified flood-prone areas are: Dike, Phase 3, NHA Bangkal in Barangay Talomo; Purok Lugot, Suraya Homes in Cabantian; Purok 23, Kuot, Davao Impress Subdivision in Barangay Sasa; San Juan Village, Bangkal in Barangay Talomo; Taal Riverside in Talomo and New San Isidro in Buhangin. The landslide-prone areas are: Purok Damayan in Barangay Buhangin Proper; Old Smokey Mountain in Barangay Matina Pangi; Quinones Compound in Barangay Matina Crossing; Purok 29-B, SPDA in Barangay Panacan; Phase 1, Greenland Subdivision in Barangay Cabantian; Purok 46, San Vicente in Barangay Talomo; Phase 3, Wellspring in Catalunan Pequeño; Abrazaldo Compound in Matina Crossing; and Sitio Gulay, Sincere Subdivision in Catalunan Pequeño.