A PORTION of the foundation of the Cape Bojeador lighthouse, one of the most frequently visited cultural heritage structures in Ilocos Norte, is being threatened by massive landslides caused by heavy rains.
Alarmed by the successive rainfall that continues to loosen the soil, residents near the lighthouse along with the local government unit, non-government organizations and volunteers take turns in putting laminated sacks as a temporary remedy to contain the eroded part of the lighthouse foundation.
“The lighthouse is temporary closed while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is doing some preventive measures,” Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said after he conducted ocular inspection at the lighthouse right after Typhoon Kabayan.
“We pray that the rain will not last long,” said Poblacion village chief Joegie Jimenez on Monday who expressed concern on the deteriorating state of the lighthouse built during the Spanish period.
When he was still an ex-officio board member of Ilocos Norte, then former town councilor Jimenez sponsored a resolution declaring the lighthouse as a national treasure and a national historical landmark.
This paved the way for the creation of the “Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Development Foundation” during the term of then Governor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos which facilitated the restoration of its roofing destroyed by a strong typhoon.
Since then, the Burgos lighthouse seated on top of the scenic Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the west Philippine sea, where early galleons used to sail by, became more famous to tourists.
The number of tourists visiting the area grew when the provincial government launched a massive tourism campaign in 2012, featuring the Burgos lighthouse as the highest elevated, original and active Spanish era lighthouse in the country.
Engr. Ernesto Malicad Jr., national president of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc., confirmed that based on hazard report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the area is highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides.
As a quick fix, Malicad has recommended the establishment of an interceptor canal on top of the hill where rainwater would flow while putting cover with sand bags is also an option.
To date, a rapid assessment is being conducted to determine appropriate mitigating measures.By Leilanie Adriano)
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