MANILA, Philippines– The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday ordered local government units (LGUs) to execute rapid structural assessments of buildings and infrastructures affected by recent earthquakes in Cebu and Davao.
The directive was issued following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake off Bogo City, Cebu, and a magnitude 7.4 earthquake off Manay, Davao Oriental, which caused significant damage.
The DILG emphasized that the assessments should be prioritized in heavily affected barangays and on structures with visible cracks.
Building officials, municipal, and city engineers are tasked to lead these evaluations to ensure public safety. The assessments aim to identify buildings that pose risks to residents, as aftershocks and structural weaknesses may lead to further damage or collapse.
The DILG highlighted the importance of quick action to prevent potential casualties and property loss due to unstable structures.