A massive landslide struck Sitio Balacayo in Barangay Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, on July 6, blocking the Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia (KTV) Road. This event has isolated numerous Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, creating significant challenges for transportation and access to basic necessities.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Clearing operations are underway but are expected to take months. Crews are carefully removing thousands of cubic meters of mud, rocks, and fallen trees from the road.
We are removing the debris layer by layer because of the unstable slope.
Engr. Rainer Valderrama, District Maintenance Engineer, DPWH First District Engineering Office
The landslide's timing coincided with heavy monsoon rains exacerbated by Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi). Officials indicate that saturated soil and seismic activity may have contributed to the collapse.
As the road remains closed, residents are forced to carry goods across the affected area, impacting the transport of food, fuel, and other essential commodities.
Historically, landslides in Bukidnon have posed similar risks, often leading to prolonged isolation for remote communities. This event highlights the ongoing vulnerability of these areas to extreme weather conditions.