SAN JOSE, Antique – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Antique proposed an ordinance declaring high-risk areas in the province as “no-build zones” or “no-dwelling zones” and providing penalties for violations.
PDRRM Officer Broderick G. Train, during the PRDDMC meeting, said the measure hopes to protect the lives and properties of its citizens by prohibiting the construction of structures and permanent residences in high-risk or permanent danger zones.
“Mga major river system naton, duro man gihapon naga-uruli. That’s one of the major concerns kay ang mga balay nga marapit sa pangpang kang suba, so expect that basi may mga kabuhi pa nga madura someday, amo lang ra ang atun ginalikawan,” emphasized Train.
He noted that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) map indicated several barangays in the province vulnerable to flooding and landslides, among other hazards.
The proposed ordinance includes sanctions for violators.
In line with this, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Karmila Rose Dimamay, chairperson of the committee on environment and natural resources, said that the penalties should be studied well to ensure coherence with other national-related laws.
She noted that the ordinance should be implemented once approved by the SP, including compliance by all government officials, both local government units and agencies.
She committed to supporting and sponsoring this ordinance at the SP.
Furthermore, Bien Nallos, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator head, stressed the importance of updating the respective Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and zoning ordinances of every municipality to underscore the importance of identifying high-risk areas.
He said this will further aid in identifying high-risk areas that are not suitable for further development projects. (PIA Antique)/PN
