The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 recommended the Commonwealth Estate Inc. for its Casa del Rio Subdivision project located in Highway 77, Barangay Talamban to submit results of the geohazard assessment survey (GAS) in a form of geohazard assessment report (GAR) in its assessment in 2007.
The said report should be submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau-7 as indicated in the MGB-7’s letter to Commonwealth Estate Inc.
In the 2007 assessment prepared by Senior Science Research Specialist Abraham R. Lucero Jr., the proponent was told to conduct other relevant geologic works that might be deemed important and necessary in the planning or conduct of the detailed geohazard assessment.
Lucero in its May 9 assessment after a 6-meter high wall collapsed on Tuesday evening that resulted to two deaths and six injured recommended the immediate evacuation and relocation of residents near the retaining wall of the said subdivision.
Meanwhile, DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2000-28 dated March 14, 2000 states all proponents of subdivision development projects, housing projects and other land development and infrastructure projects, private or public, shall undertake an Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment.
The said order is pursued to adequately and comprehensively address and mitigate the possible effects or impacts of geologic hazards and ensure the suitability and safety of a project site proposed for development.
To recall, an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was issued to Commonwealth Estate Inc. as represented by Operations Manager Engr. Reynaldo Sanchez Jr. for the Casa del Rio Subdivision project located in Highway 77, Barangay Talamban last April 2, 2009.
The ECC covers the project that has a land area of 3,766 square meters with 2,634 sq. m. saleable area of 25 houses (3 units duplex houses, 9 units row houses and 13 units single-detached houses), and 849.45 sq. m. for circulation system composed of major and minor roads, motor court, alleys, footpath and pathways.