SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte, Philippines (PNA) — Mayor Rico Rentuza of this third-class municipality is seeking national and international help to establish a permanent resettlement site for more than 1,300 families from landslide high-risk areas.

During a two-day cross visit organized by the group Handicap International, Rentuza told the visiting disaster risk reduction managers and non-government organization representatives that almost all of the 30 barangays in this town, except those in the poblacion, have been declared high risk to landslide.

“We want to reduce the vulnerabilities of our constituents and improve their economic capability,” he said.

According to the mayor, the local government unit is still in the process of the recovery phase after the massive landslide in 2006. “Our recovery plan is now in place, but the local resources are very limited to address all gaps, most especially in terms of support for the construction of permanent core shelters, livelihood assistance and rehabilitation of the Kawigan river,” he said.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) has committed P15 million as an initial fund for land acquisition.

“We still need to complete all requirements before the release of the budget. We are trying our best effort to address the gaps and needs of our people, and this is why we are seeking the intervention of the national government and developmental partners to help us rebuild our economically displaced families,” the mayor said.

“From January to June, we experienced a series of weather disturbances and many families have been evacuated to ensure zero casualty. This is because of the efficacy of the early warning systems established and funded by the German International Cooperation,” he said.

The local official also said St. Bernard is learning from the experiences of Albay province in terms of disaster risk reduction management.