DPWH orders immediate inspection of buildings following Cebu earthquake

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon ordered building officials and municipal engineers to thoroughly inspect all affected buildings and infrastructure following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Bogo City, Cebu, on Tuesday. 

According to the memorandum issued October 1, the DPWH orders concerned individuals to “immediately conduct rapid assessment, inspection, verification, and structural evaluation on all affected buildings/structures within their respective jurisdiction, in coordination with the stakeholders and government agencies, to assess the extent of the damage to buildings and structures.” 

Further, building officials were also ordered to submit “a comprehensive and detailed report” within 15 days. 

Dizon also emphasized strict compliance with the regulations under the memorandum circular of the National Building Code Development Office, use of earthquake recording instruments, and coordinating with relevant agencies to fast-track the rehabilitation of damaged buildings. 

“Coordinate with the relevant government agencies and provide any necessary assistance in accordance with their mandate, including expediting the permitting process and releasing the corresponding permits for the necessary works to rectify the damage to the affected buildings/structures,” the memorandum read. 

The strong earthquake hit at 9:59 p.m. on September 30. The quake was initially reported as a magnitude 6.7 before being upgraded to 6.9. It had a depth of 5 km and was tectonic in origin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. 

According to the Department of Education, 34 classrooms were completely destroyed, 26 classrooms suffered major damage, and 197 classrooms had minor damage. —VBL, GMA Integrated News