Fault to serve as tourist site

CEBU, Philippines - Another tourist attraction would soon rise in Bohol as a result of the destructive earthquake last Oct. 15 that destroyed major landmarks and wonders in the province.

Local officials have agreed to “preserve” the previously unmapped “North Bohol Fault” in Sitio Sitio Kumayot, Barangay Anonang, Inabanga town and make it a come on for the tourism industry.

“We are going to establish a museum in the area with the help of the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Science. They will be helping us with the lay-out of the area,” said Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto, adding that the location is apt for scientific study and tourism.

He made the statement shortly after a meeting with Bohol town mayors and members of the Bohol Provincial Board yesterday afternoon.

The reverse fault that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) discovered last Oct. 23 that triggered a 7.1-magnitude earthquake is manifested by a ground rupture that caused a three-meter earthen wall to rise for several kilometers.

In a telephone interview with The FREEMAN, Chatto said photographs of the destructive earthquake would be stored in the museum, which would cover a portion of the earthen wall where it rose the highest so the area would not be deformed by rainfalls.

The earthquake, which killed over 200 people in Cebu and Bohol and destroyed over P1 billion worth of properties, either leveled or heavily damaged Bohol’s heritage churches, which are among its major attractions.

Even the world famous Chocolate Hills were not spared, with some deformed by massive landslides caused by the quake.  Chatto said he is also keeping in touch with the Phivolcs on their plan and is looking into the possibility of coordinating with architects.

He, however, reiterated that they are still focusing their attention on the rehabilitation of the province and providing houses and relief assistance to affected families., many of whom are still staying in makeshift tents.— /RHM (FREEMAN)