ASSESSMENT. The government-owned Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Center in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique province is among those to be assessed for structural integrity. Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Broderick Train said on Thursday (Feb. 23, 2023) the assessment of government-owned buildings and other critical structures is to ensure safety against tremors. (Photo courtesy of San Jose de Buenavista LGU)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Antique Governor Rhodora. Cadiao has ordered a structural integrity assessment of government-owned critical infrastructures in the province as part of emergency response preparedness.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Officer Broderick Train said on Thursday that the governor, in a memorandum on Feb 22, instructed the Antique District Engineering’s Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) to assess and evaluate the safety and reliability of all critical infrastructures in the province.
“Governor Cadiao issued the memorandum in adherence to the directive of the Regional DRRMC VI (Western Visayas),” Train said.
The Regional DRRMC VI issued Memorandum Order number 12 enjoining all DRRM councils from the province down to the barangays to conduct an assessment of infrastructures in their areas "to ensure safety and resilience at all times".
The memorandum was issued following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Batuan town, Masbate province on Feb. 16 which was also felt in several parts of Western Visayas.
Train added that they are currently coordinating with the DPWH and the PEO to start the assessment of the critical infrastructures such as hospitals, roads and bridges, evacuation centers, and other government-owned buildings next month.
“We are just waiting for the list of the critical infrastructures that is being prepared now by the PEO,” Train said.
He said the mayors of the province's 18 municipalities are encouraged to assess private-owned buildings and commercial establishments, especially high-rise buildings.
Train added that since the municipal governments are the ones issuing building permits to private buildings and establishments, then their municipal engineers should inspect the structural integrity.
He warned that Antique is highly susceptible to earthquakes for it lies along the West Panay Fault and is close to the Negros and Mindoro trenches. (PNA)
