LEGAZPI CITY. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, through its Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau, identified 103 barangays in the Bicol region that are prone to landslides.

Based on the geological hazard map prepared by the MGB, the province of Catanduanes has the largest number of barangays in the region which have high risk of experiencing landslides.

The MGB geohazard study identified the town of Pandan in the northern part of Catanduanes as the most landslide-prone area, involving 19 barangays; followed by Caramoran with 12 barangays; San Miguel with 10 barangays; Gigmoto with 6 barangays; Baras, 5 barangays; and Bato, 3 barangays.

Albay province has 17 barangays identified as landslide-prone, namely, Manito, 5 barangays; Tiwi, 5 barangays; Libon, 5 barangays; and Ligao-Pio Duran area, 3 barangays.

Camarines Sur has l2 identified barangays which are considered landslide-prone. These are Sangay, 6 barangays; Tinambac, 3 barangays; and Libmanan, 3 barangays.

Camarines Norte has ten barangays prone to landslide, which are, Mercedes, 4 barangays; Labo, 4 barangays and Sta. Elena, 2 barangays.

Sorsogon province has five landslide-prone areas, which are Magallanes, 3 barangays; Bulusan, 1 barangay; and Juban, 1 barangay.

Below is the complete listing of landslide-prone barangays in the region:

CATANDUANES: 1. Baras – Agban, Bagong Sirang, Benticayan, Ginitligan and Puraran; 2. Bato – Batalay, Sibacungan and Tilis; 3. Caramoran – Bocon, Guiamlong, Hitoma, Inamasinan, Mabini, Maysuram, Milaviga, Sabloyon, Tubli, Tucao, and Iyao; 4. Gigmoto – Biong, Dororian, San Pedro, San Vicente, Sicmil, and Sioron; 5. Pandan – Bagawang, Balangonan, Baldoc, Canlubi, Catamaban, Cobo., Hiyop, Libod, Lourdes, Lumabao, Marambong, Panuto, Tariwara, San Andres, San Isidro, Tabugco, Tokio, and Wagdas; 6. San Miguel - Balatohan, Allberto, Kilikilihan, Mabato, Obo, Pagsangahan, Paraiso, Progreso, San Marcos, and Tobrehon; 7. Viga – Almojuela, Ananong, Mabini, P, Vera, and San Jose Oco.

CAMARINES SUR: 1. Sangay - Bongalon, Kilomaon, Minadongjol, Patitinan, San Nino, and Sibaguan; 2. Tinambac – Bagacay, Bulao-Balete, and Mananao; 3. Libmanan – Bikal, Beguito Viejo, and Sigamot.

ALBAY: 1. Manito – Buyo, Malboga, Manumbalay, Nagotgot, and Cawayan; 2. Libon – Cagusco, Molosbolos, San Jose, Talin-Talin; 3. Ligao – Culliat, Palapas, Coyaoyao, Joroan, Matalibong, Masibis, and Mayong.

SORSOGON: 1. Magallanes - Incarizan, Tinago, and Sinuton; 2. Bulusan - Porog 3. Juban – Lahong.

CAMARINES NORTE: 1. Mercedes - Tarum, Pambulhan, Hamoraon, Masalong – salong; 2. Labo – Kanapawan, Dagook, Bayabas, and Fundado; 3. Sta. Elena - Minasag and Bulala. (MGB Region 5, DENR Public Affairs Office)

May 25, 2006