Property Developers are in a frenzy to convert Ma-a Shrine Hills of Davao City, Philippines into high-end housing enclaves. But, the middle- to high- income villagers at the foot of the hill, after associating themselves into a federation, expressed and lodged complaints with councilmen and concerned government offices. Their fear is premised on the results of a study by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau concluding that the hill is stable until touched.

The communities are afraid that the plans are compromising their safety with threats of landslide or flooding.

It is beyond their comprehension why these developers have been able to start work when the mandatory requirements have not been met yet.

During heavy rains, muddy waters enter houses of some villages, destroying property. So, why are these developers allowed to initiate construction activities on the hill or advertise sale of housing units thereat?

To have a peek at how the community struggles to protect their homes and properties, read on.....

The Federation states, in part that ....

All known Geohazard surveys concerning Ma-a hillside developments have these points in common:

1. Pockets of stability occur along the table top, center spine of the ridge
2. High angle slopes are unstable either now or, predictably, in the future because soil characteristics and loading may change from stable to highly unstable over time.
3. Poor soil composition and adhesion
4. History of prior landslides
5. Overlayment of sandy, composite soils on shale or limestone, 3 to 30 meters thick - [like sand on an up-tilted ironing board]
6. Exposure to Seasonal Monsoon rainwater run-off
7. Exposure to simultaneously occurring earthquake activity - (Murphy's Law)

Development of the Ma-a Shrine Hills hillside is inherently dangerous. Like Antipolo, Rizal and St. Bernard,Leyte, it cannot be fixed. It represents real, genuine endangerment of life and property. Water run-off and drainage problems are serious but are secondary to the greatest threat, landslide death and injury.

Development should be stopped immediately, regardless of progress. Development should not continue, now or in the future, because of exposure of Barangay residents to death, injury, and destruction.

For the entire position statement, click here.

1. The most parallel indicators to the Ma-a hills threat are those of the Cherry Hills Disaster of Antipolo, Rizal.

2. What did the landslide in Guinsaugon, Leyte leave behind?