LGU Naga taps PICE-Naga to audit buildings for earthquake safety

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) has offered its services to audit buildings and facilities owned by the city government and private companies to ensure their structural integrity in preparation for possible future earthquakes.

Mayor Leni Robredo said the PICE has been linked with the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to coordinate the schedule and technical requirements for the inspections, which are expected to begin late this month or early next month. The CEO is currently conducting data gathering on various buildings in the city to support the audit.

Engr. Khyrwin Hidalgo of the CEO said the PICE and the City Engineer’s Office agreed to include both old and new buildings and structures in the assessment, including evacuation centers, police and BFP headquarters, hospitals, school buildings, and churches.

The City Hall building and the 56-year-old Naga City People’s Mall (NCPM)—a three-story public market occupying a 1.3-hectare lot in the city’s Central Business District I—are among the LGU-owned structures to be evaluated, especially the NCPM, which has experienced several fire incidents in different sections over the years.

“We cannot simply rely on earlier assessments that say this building or that building is safe. We want a thorough and updated audit,” Robredo said, noting that the review is expected to continue until the end of the year.

Structural audits, according to engineers, are a proactive safety measure intended to prevent the loss of life and damage to property during earthquakes. Through these assessments, experts are able to:
• Identify structural weaknesses such as cracks, corrosion, and outdated materials
• Ensure compliance with updated seismic building standards
• Prevent large-scale casualties caused by collapsing structures
• Minimize economic losses and protect public investments
• Guide disaster preparedness plans and retrofitting priorities
• Safeguard critical infrastructure needed during emergencies
• Strengthen public confidence in building safety

Robredo underscored that her city is taking the prevention route seriously. “We cannot afford to be complacent. Earthquakes strike without warning. Preparation is our best defense,” she said. I via Jason B. Neola