The picture above shows one of the two landslides I encountered on my way back from the CBFM site I visited in Zamboanga. The landslide occurred between seven and 11 km. respectively from the highway of Rosseler Lim, Sibugaey Province this areas are about 33 km from the community I visited.

The road became so dangerous to pass by for any vehicle and even by people. On the first landslide, I had to plunge into the water and find boulder support to cross the river because the bridge was completely washed away.  People tried to figure out how to remedy the situation.  

The second landslide on the other hand, made me climb the top of the mountain, which was actually the origin of the landslide; I even had to walk barefoot just to safely cross the deep mud. Analyzing what really caused the landslide was not something in my mind that time, my only concern and focus was to survive that ordeal.  

When I finally settled down, regained my strength and stabilized my shaking legs: I began to think whether the cause was geophysical factors, legal or illegal logging or by mining.

After a while, I saw big dump trucks with hauled gravels and some men wearing hard hats.   I was told they were engineers from TVI mining company most of them were figuring out how to remedy the situation, some on the other hand were just bystanders, teachers and folks having fun because of the instant livelihood they were able to put up because of the situation.

The mining company’s response was remarkably quick; this was probably because they would be greatly be affected by the road hazards and impediments. The services that this company provide in the area no matter how small, momentary and maybe sometimes only for show and only to perpetuate their own business; still  means a lot  in very remote communities where government basic social services like education, health services and employment are precarious. Since logging and mining companies are usually based in remote areas their offered services to the community is greatly valued.  Sadly, the government could hardly be at par.

The CBFM holder in the area is currently contemplating on allowing TVI mining expansion in the area. If the community will be convinced with the usual lucrative offer of employment, road repair and maintenance, education and health services; rights will definitely be sold to TVI for their mining expansion.

I left a parting question to the Timoay in the area: “Haven’t you learned any lesson from your neighbor’s (Mt.Canatuan) experiences?

Bewilderedly, I pondered if my question was helpful and eye opening or unethical.

 

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