Fieldwork Study : Matina Shrine Hills

Road Survey

Proponents: Rogador, Jacob IV E.

Sarael, Jenes Mae T. Lejano, Benedict

Muñoz, Daniel

INTRODUCTION

Structural Geology is the science that deals with the study of the structures of rocks insofar as it is resulted from deformation and any other geological movements. Also, it is the investigation of the geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of deformation in natural materials at all scales.

Shrine Hills is the nearest higher elevation located at the southwestern part of the city and about seven kilometers from the city proper.

Thus, with these vivid descriptive statements of fast pacing development and industrial modernization of the place, the fieldwork study and mapping were conducted at the site for a rigid and methodical descriptions and analysis, which could help concretizing the geological events that may occur at the place for the benefit of the people within the parameter of Matina Shrine Hills.

Location

This seven-kilometer hill ridges from the city proper is the nearest higher elevation located at the southwestern part of the Davao City. Two barangays namely Matina and Ma-a, were crisscrossed by Shrine Hills and were affected by the recent flashfloods and other geological events. Allot of commercial establishments are erected at the area of responsibility.

The scope and delimitation at which the field study was conducted is at Shrine Hills, Matina Davao City. It is also called the "radio" or "broadcast mountain" because of different major radio and TV stations and transmitters in the area.

observation

STA No.

Station Name Distance Bearing Remarks

1 PJ Store 25 meters N 1° W Near a satellite tower

2 Firewood Stall 25 meters N 1° W Near a sari-sari store and shaded

3 GKK Chapel 25 meters N 3° W Signboard point, shaded

4 WilQue Store 25 meters N 5° W Solemn place and grassy

5 Closed Field 25 meters N 8° W Not shaded area, less disturbances

6 JJ Store 25 meters

N 1° W Not shaded area, less disturbances

7 Globe Outpost 25 meters

N 1° W Not shaded area, less disturbances

8 Trash Cans 25 meters

N 1° W Shaded but odorous and crowded

9 PLDT Post 25 meters

N 1° W Not shaded area

10 ADDU LSRH 25 meters

N 1° W Noisy and very hot

Table 1. The tabular presentation of data from the fieldwork study.

findings

For stations 1 and 2, the bearing is N 1° W since within the range of these stations at about 50 meters the road is still a straight line. While on the station 3, the angle changes since the curve begun to develop at this juncture. As well, on station 4 the bearing also changes at about 5 degrees since this is where the road turn a bit.

The same through with station 5 with 8 degrees bearing compare to the previous stations. The bearings next to station 5 have the same values with that of the first two stations. This is because the road comes to straight line again.

findings

The slide forming between stations 5 and 6 at the left lane of the road at an angle of 6° vertically upward with respect to the observer’s chest is the same slide located between stations 6 and 7 with the same lane but with 11° angle relative to the observer and its side facing north. These are manifestations that the area is prone to have been a victim of land mass movement that causes such structures.

While on the stations between 8 and 9 another formations were being predicted by the group at about 1° angle of depression relative to the observer. But it is now on the right lane side of the road facing the same direction with that of the previous structure. And the last formation that is being observed by the group is the angle of elevation at about 28° between stations 9 and 10. Within this range, the group also found out another structure- fold formation at the end part of station 10 where a little bungalow house is being erected.

findings

Other field findings and identified geohazards that had happened and might again happen in the place and other places in Davao City, are the mass-movement, seismic hazards, ground shaking, liquefaction and flooding.

Thus, for developers of the site, they must have to consider the risks that it takes for every set regulation of the authorities that they violate. That at one chance another Cherry Hills Tragedy might happen in Davao City.

These are also being supported with the past geological studies and articles as a related literature and sources.

Related literatures

MINES and Geosciences Bureau Davao Regional Director Edilberto Arreza has ruled out the possibility of a sinkhole occurrence in Davao City, similar to the recent disaster in Guatemala.

conclusion

Based on the available data, observations and findings, the area- Matina Shrine Hills is observed to be capable of supporting industrial developments and infrastructures. However, the consideration of being vulnerable of the place and prone to geological activities and earth movements are also highly needed. Thus, requiring detailed geohazards assessments prior to the authorities regulations.

The group therefore concludes that these geological activities are the main cause of the formation of the structures at Matina Shrine Hills and will also be the one to repeat the same thing and events on the next days to come.

recommendations

The following are the recommendations proposed by the group upon the conduction of the fieldwork studies:

1. Every Developer must follow the issuance of the Environment Compliance Certificate and the MGB’s memorandum format.

2. Though the proponents already present the dos and don’ts of the place, a review of the proposed plan should be conducted with regards to the slope stability of the place.

3. Consider the reactivation risks of the landslide and focus on the effects of other identified geohazards.

photos

Points and

References

map