THE Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAO) warned farmers in the hinterlands of possible landslides in the ongoing rainy season.
CAO senior agriculturist Lorna Alderite said although it has been a highly-anticipated problem even before and the farmers have long been oriented on preparations for possible landslides, she said there are some lands used not suitable for farming.
Alderite said areas like Marilog and Paquibato Districts are some of those being monitored for possible landslides, which might affect the farmer's livelihood.
"Dugay na ni siya nga problem. Mostly, didtoa na sa may bukid na area, diin naa nami mga gi-note nga areas wherein dapat no plantation or zero tillage na dapat (It has been a perennial problem. Mostly it's in the hinterlands wherein we have noted some areas to be a 'no plantation' or 'zero tillage')," she said.
However, she said the office cannot prevent them from planting since it is their only source of income.
Alderite said the City Planning and Development Office (Ocpo) is still finishing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Clup) wherein specific areas for agricultural land are specified.
In a previous report, Clup has identified third district as an "agri-zone," wherein plans for land conversion for commercial purposes is being eyed to be prohibited for sustainable agriculture and meet the demands for food in the city.
She added that although the Ocpo is tasked to work on the possible relocation for affected farmers, it is also prepared to provide assistance to them.