THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has directed all local government building officials to conduct swift assessments of all government buildings in areas affected by the recent magnitude-6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon issued a memorandum mandating rapid inspections, verifications, structural evaluations, and damage assessments for buildings and key structures within their jurisdictions, a report by Philstar said.

The reports on damage must be turned in within 15 days.

The order also requires officials to comply with standards under the National Building Code, usearthquake‐recording instruments, and coordinate with relevant agencies to speed up rehabilitation.

According to Undersecretary Arrey Perez of the DPWH’s National Building Code Development Office, the priority is to first assess damage, then focus on improving resiliency designs and enforcing building codes.The agency is especially concerned about structures in northern Cebu, including Bogo City, where damage has been severe

As part of the response, the DPWH is coordinating with other agencies and local government units to clear national highways and ensure essential services can reach affected areas. Local counterparts have also been told to activate their quick response funds for repair and rehabilitation.(Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)

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