Simple Christmas celebration in landslide-hit Itogon

Christmas was simple for the residents of Itogon, Benguet as the town continues to face the aftermath of a deadly landslide due to Typhoon Ompong in September.

According to a report on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" on Wednesday, the massive slide that killed more than 90 people and buried several homes also wiped out 80 percent of the town's businesses.

"Marami nang nagko-close dahil sa wala nang perang nagsi-circulate," Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdang said.

Businesses in the mining town have reportedly been reeling from the total ban on mining operations imposed after the deadly slide.

"Lahat ng negosyo ay nakaramdam din ng talagang malaking dagok sa ekonomiya ng barangay namin," a resident, Cesar Bongli, said.

At least 200 of the local establishments have closed, while customers were scarce for some of those left standing.  

"Nung pinagkukuhanan ng mga tao dito, mina. Tapos wala na. Wala naman silang pagkuhanan na iba," a storeowner, Marlyn Quero, said.

In spite of the dire situation, residents managed to show Christmas spirit as they greeted the holiday with modest celebrations. —Margaret Claire Layug/ LDF, GMA News