SEMI-DETAILED GEOHAZARD ASSESSMENT OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF LAGUINDINGAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL Lucero E.S.1, Brabante B.M.M.2, Collantes M.G.B.

1, Asis J.C.V.2, Padrique A.M.2 1 Senior Geologist, 2Geologist, Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region X INTRODUCTION PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. 10 conducted a semidetailed geohazard assessment of the Municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. The said assessment is part of the Nationwide Geohazard Mapping Survey in the country. Major concern of this undertaking was to characterize and zone the identified geohazards in relation to geology and geomorphology. Primary and secondary data were utilized in the preparation of this manuscript. These included reports and maps from MGB-10, PHIVOLCS and MPDOLaguindingan. The surveyed area assessed, which includes the coast, river channels, estuaries, and hinterland areas, covered all 11 barangays, namely, Tubajon, Mauswagon, Sambulawan, Gasi, Liberty, Moog, Kibaghot, Sinai, Aromahan, Lapad and Poblacion. This report presents data and interpretations gathered and worked during the field survey. A composite geohazard zonation map of the study area is expectedly generated in this assessment. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY The Municipality of Laguindingan, which sits on the western portion of the Province of Misamis Oriental, is bounded by three distinct municipalities, namely, on its west by Gitagum; on its east by Alubijid. Its coastal zone is abutted on its north by Iligan Bay. The municipality is approximately 35 km. southwest of Cagayan de Oro City. From there, Laguindingan can be reached by all kinds of land transport through the concreted national highway passing the western coastal towns of Misamis Oriental. A network of feeder roads connects the interior barangays. CLIMATE AND VEGETATION The climate in the study area belongs to Type III of the Modified Coronas System of Classification (PAGASA). This type has no pronounced rainy period with short dry season lasting only for one to three months. It is relatively wet from May to October and dry the rest of the year (PAGASA). Usually the hottest months are April and May with an average temperature of 29.5C while December and

January are the coolest months with an average temperature of 26.3C. Average annual temperature is around 27.00C. Relative humidity varies from 75 to 88 % Oceanographic data reveals that Laguindingan is greatly influenced by the monsoon systems. The Northeast Monsoon System (November to March) and the Southwest Monsoon System (June to October) greatly affected the coast. Here, the wind-driven circulation of the bay is directed towards the coast. METHODOLOGY After initial review of related geologic literature including aerial photographs, the study area was subjected to semi-detailed to reconnaissance geologic mapping and geotechnical field test work including basic visual and tactile tests. The mapping focused on geomorphology and lithology with special emphasis on structures and discontinuities. Primary and secondary data (i.e., MGB-10, Phivolcs and MPDO-Laguindingan) were gathered and utilized in the preparation of this report. The meteorological and groundwater information is largely based on updated and reliable technical references. Personal interviews with old-time residents and local officials were also undertaken to gain firsthand knowledge particularly on previous and varied calamities that befell the study area. Equipped with the necessary field mapping tools, the geohazard assessment was conducted along roads, rivers and rudimentary trails. Major components of the geohazard mapping survey were delineation of rock units, characterization of morphology, and rock sampling. The rock units exposed in the field were described in terms of their color, mineralogy, alteration and structures such as beddings, joints and faults. Field data were collated and plotted in a 1:50,000 geologic map. The team utilized Rapid Landslide Assessment Form from Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office which served as checklist during ocular inspection of the whole area. The field assessment focused on barangays that are located on foot slopes, mid slopes, mountain ridges, riverbanks, and coastal areas. Each barangay was rated with low, moderate or high landslide susceptibility whereas areas susceptible to coastal and riverine flooding were assessed in terms of flood height, regularity and turbidity. The rating parameters for landslides are as follows: High Presence of active and/ or recent landslides Presence of numerous and large tension cracks that would directly affect the community Areas with drainages that are prone to landslides damming Steep slopes Moderate

 Low

Areas with indicative and/or old landslides Presence of small tension cracks and are located away from the community Moderate slopes Low to gently sloping No presence of tension cracks TOPOGRAPHY and DRAINAGE

The Municipality of Laguindingan is best described as gentle to undulating to rolling defined by topographic highs (ridges) and topographic lows (valleys and plains). The valleys are slightly narrow and the creeks running through it are intermittent. The surveyed area is drained by Gitagum, Aromahon-Cogon River and Tambo and Ulab Creeks. These drainages discharge its load towards the Iligan Bay.

Figure 1 - Drainage Map of the study area, Misamis Oriental GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS The study area is characterized by rock types in which water moves either through individual pore spaces in the rock or through linear fractures and

subsurface openings. Based on the distribution of rock formations in the area, the water-bearing rock units include the Indahag Limestone and Ultramafics. Interestingly, in Indahag limestone, water move through interconnected fissures and cavities that typify this kind of rock. In most of the studies, deep wells in the area are penetrated over 20 meters in depth. GEOLOGY Based on Geologic Map of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (1983), there are at least three rock formations identified in the area, namely, the Ultramafics, Opol Formation, Indahag Limestone and Quaternary Alluvium. These formations were first described by Pacis in 1962. The Cretaceous Ultramafics represent the Ultramafic Complex, a formation confined on the southwestern part of the study area.

Figure 2 - Geology of the Study Area (encircle) and vicinity (adapted from BMG, 1983). Opol formation (Late Miocene to Early Pliocene) consists of conglomerate, pebbly sandstone, agglomerate, tuffaceous sandstone and tuff (Pacis, 1962). Based on existing geology of the area, Opol Formation comprises parts of Brgys. Kibaghot, Poblacion and Lapad. Indahag Limestone is made up of limestone, intercalated pyroclastics and clastic rocks and beds of conglomerate, shale and sandstone (Pacis, 1962). The said formation was deposited in the outer shelf to the upper bathyal environment during Late Miocene to Pliocene based on the presence and distribution of

longer-ranging forams (Manzano et al., 1992). Indahag Limestone shows a karstic topography. In general, the Indahag Limestone exhibits coarsening upward sequence typical of regressive depositional environment. This formation underlies most of the barangays. Quaternary Alluvium blankets some portions along the municipalities of Gitagum and Libertad. It is within the coast, the floodplains and the river deltas. This deposit consists of unconsolidated mud, clay, silt, sand and gravel derived from pre-existing rocks and continuously reworked by dynamic fluvial and coastal processes. In a recent geological mapping made by BMG (2006), in the study area, the calcarenites, which is a part of Indahag Limestone, form distinctly steep cliffs and ridge. These are probably due to its low erodibility property and its type locality is located at Ulab Area where they form very steep cliffs.

Picture 1

SEISMICITY The study is part of the Central Visayas seismic source zone that historically exhibits the lowest rate of earthquake activity. Nonetheless, the area may still be subjected to ground shaking from the movement of active faults in the island of Mindanao. Proximal to the study area, on the eastern part, is the Alubijid Fault that trends NE-SW.

POTENTIAL GEOHAZARDS MASS MOVEMENT Mass movement is basically the downslope movement of soil, debris or rock. It usually occurs when the shear stress exceeds the shear strength of material and is usually occurring in the inherent property of the geological structures, i.e., plane of weaknesses, orientation of bedding plane, fault, and joint. Majority of mass movement/slope failures/landslides occur during times of heavy precipitation. Effective stress is reduced by increase in water pressure and there is a consequent reduction in resistance to shear. Mass movement occurs with increasing frequency in areas having progressively steeper slope angles. Mass movement in the study area most likely occurs in the hinterland areas and this is blanketed by Indahag Limestone and Opol formation. These two formations

show differential degree of weathering, which generally may linked to the intensity of the landslide occurrence. Interestingly, the contributory parameters in determining degree of susceptibility include lithology, relationship of structural discontinuities with slope, steepness of slopes, weathering, vegetation, local groundwater conditions and human activities including engineering measures. Utililizing these parameters, among the barangays assessed, parts of Brgys. Ulab, Aromahan, Sinai, Sambulawan, Kibaghot, Moog and Gasi are considered to have low susceptibility to landslides.

Picture 2 . Panoramic View of Brgy. Kibaghot

Picture 3. Relocation site in Purok 4E in Brgy. Kibaghot

Picture 4 & 5. Gentle to flat terrain of Brgy. Lapad

Picture 6. Moderate to steeply sloping road cut along the Laguindingan National Highway, from the stretch of Brgy. Poblacion all the way to Brgy. Mauswagon, are landslide prone areas

Picture 7 & 8. Topography of Brgy. Sinai

.Picture 9 & 10. Slope at the side of the barangay road in Brgy. Aromahon is prone to
landslide

FLOODING The most flood-prone portions are the coastal areas and the floodplains of its major rivers/creeks, namely Gitagum, Aromahon-Cogon River and Tambo and Ulab Creeks. These areas, which are underlain by Indahag Limestone and Opol Formation and with elevations less than 10 masl are usually highly populated. The estuaries of these creeks/rivers are likewise flood-prone areas. Abnormal heavy precipitation and wave surges enable base level increase on areas in and around estuaries like riverbanks, coastal plains and swamps. Exceptional high tides during rainy months (i.e., August) may cause coastal flooding. Damage is great when accompanied by typhoon and riverine flooding.

COASTAL FLOODING & EROSION The Laguindingan Coastal Zone (LCZ) has a slightly concave configuration. The coast is rocky and is composed of hard, massive coralline limestone. A network of river system drains into the LCZ, providing freshwater and sediment influx. Coastal flooding in the LCZ is mainly controlled by seasonal variation. The Northeast Monsoon System (November to March) and the Southwest Monsoon System (June to October) seem to have greatest impact in the coastal areas. Here, the wind-driven circulation of the bay is directed towards the coast. This is typified by strong gusty winds and powerful waves such as the August 2006 event. The main vulnerable areas may trigger economic loss and people at risk. Damage is worse when typhoon and riverine flooding is accompanied by high tides. To date, documented data about the damage of properties and casualties has been reported. Expectedly, in some parts of LCZ, this event had occurred in which the sea level reached the berm and some portions of the back beach portions. Scouring of base to uprooting of coconut trees, erosive base of the coralline limestone rock and changes in the physical character of the LCZ are some of the evidence of coastal erosion. Based on our assessment, parts of Brgys. Tubajon and Mauswagon are susceptible to coastal flooding and erosion.

Parts of the coastal area of Brgy. Tubajon is a mangrove area, which has 800m tidal flat (Picture 11, 12 13). It is believed that areas planted with these mangrove species reduces coastal flooding and erosion and to some certain extent for tsunamis.

Picture 11

Picture 12

Picture 13

Parts of Brgy. Mauswagon is susceptible to storm surge. The strong waves on August 2006 have partially to totally damaged houses of Puroks 7 & 3. More so, people residing on these areas were evacuated. (Picture 14 & 15).

Picture 14

Picture 15

Picture 16

Picture 17

Based on interviews, during the August 2006 Strong Waves, Purok 3 in Brgy. Mauswagon (Picture 16 & 17) was highly affected where fences of some houses were totally destroyed and some houses were totally damaged SETTLEMENT AND SUBSIDENCE Two major factors are responsible for settlement and failure, namely, the static loading of the ground and the material and mass properties of the underlying formation. In the study area, the likelihood of differential settlement is potentially highest in areas underlain by Indahag Limestone. This is simply because the geologic horizon favors unequal settling of materials which leads to the downward movement of foundations of whatever infrastructure built on it. The uneven strengths of the limestone and the porous nature favor differential settlement, possibly both immediate and consolidation. Subsidence may be caused by artificial withdrawal of supports, natural development of caverns and changes in fluid pressures. Similarly, hazards of potential subsidence can be recognized by rock types. In the study area, most susceptible to this type of movement are those underlain by limestone. Subsidence appears imminent.

Picture 18 & 19. Brgy. Moog is the future International Airport in Mindanao Island. Affected by this project are Puroks 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8. The area is relatively flat and underlain by limestone rocks.

Picture 20. La Cueva Con Agua is located at Purok 3, Brgy. Mauswagon. It is a solution cave with ~5 m height relative to the present ground level and ~8 m width.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Of the geologic hazards existing in the study area, flooding will more likely impact the area due to abnormal excessive precipitation. The most flood-prone portions in the study area are the low-lying areas, coastal areas (Parts of Brgys.Tubajon and Mauswagon) and the floodplains of Gitagum, Aromahon-Cogon River and Tambo and Ulab Creeks and minor tributaries. Based on our assessment, parts of Brgys Ulab, Aromahan, Sinai, Sambulawan, Kibaghot, Moog and Gasi are considered low susceptibility for landslides.

Areas susceptible to subsidence are those areas blanketed by the Indahag Limestone particularly the massive coralline limestone in the lowlands (i.e., parts of Brgys. Mauswagon, Tubajon, Poblacion, Sinai, and Sambulawan). The strength of wave energy mainly responsible for coastal erosion, can be controlled by proven measures such as appropriately located groins and breakwaters as well as developing mangrove areas. Extra precaution, however, must be considered so as not to affect down-drift sediment supply. Land use development along the coastal zone should be regulated including establishment of setback codes. Appropriate land use zoning should also be implemented. More dangerous slopes can be made stable by retaining walls, rip-rap, shotcrete and other proven engineering measures. The geohazard assessment data, especially those communities residing in the identified flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, should always factor out in all the development projects of the LGU. The LGU should likewise regularly monitor progress of work, from revision of plans to actual development and if possible, extending to eventual utilization.