Landslide disrupts classes, deliveries in parts Bukidnon

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A massive landslide that blocked a major road in San Fernando, Bukidnon has disrupted classes in a remote Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, leaving teachers unable to reach their school and residents struggling to transport goods.

The landslide, which occurred early Monday, July 6, cut off the road linking San Fernando, Bukidnon and Talaingod, Davao del Norte, as continuous rains continue to hamper clearing operations by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Region 10 (DPWH-10).

Among those affected was Jei Capao, 27, a Matigsalug teacher at Panuluanan te Masalugpok, an IP school in Sitio Masalugpok, Barangay Kalagangan, about 50 kilometers from the San Fernando town proper.

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“The road is extremely difficult to pass. We cannot reach our school, and our pupils’ education has been affected,” Capao said.

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He said teachers assigned to the satellite school have temporarily been reporting instead to Cabuling Elementary School in Barangay Cabuling because they cannot cross the landslide-affected area.

Capao said residents who use motorcycles must pay ₱500 so they can be manually carried across the blocked section of the road.

He added that farmers are also bearing the brunt of the road closure, as transporting agricultural produce has become more expensive, while the delivery of basic goods and other supplies has been disrupted.

Capao appealed to the government to prioritize the clearing and rehabilitation of the road.

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“We hope the government can expedite the work because teachers need to return to our school, and our farmers urgently need access to markets,” he said.

“Transport costs have become too high, and even basic food supplies are no longer reaching our community,” he added.

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DPWH-10 personnel continue clearing operations, but persistent rains have slowed progress.

No casualties have been reported. /gsg

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