Evaluation of Capitol building ordered

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) to assess the Cebu Capitol building, citing serious concerns over the safety and condition of the historic structure.

This following reports of leaks, structural wear, and fire safety risks.

“Imagine national heritage unya unsafe? That’s something we have to prioritize,” said Baricuatro.

She also said the third floor poses occupational safety risks, noting the absence of a proper fire escape and the lack of essential life-saving equipment like an Automated External Defibrillator.

She said the last major renovation done at the Capitol was in 2015, nearly a decade ago. Since then, no significant improvements or routine maintenance work appears to have been conducted.

Several departments, including Planning and Engineering, have also reported persistent leaks.

When asked if the Capitol building is compliant with the Fire Code, she said, “I suppose not.”

To address the situation, Baricuatro said she plans to procure fire extinguishers and install directional fire exit signage.

She also welcomed the Bureau of Fire Protection’s offer to assist with the installation and conduct safety training. The bureau committed to training at least one or two personnel from each department in first aid and firefighting, ensuring Capitol staff are equipped to respond in emergencies.

PGSO records show that more than 200 fire extinguishers are distributed across Capitol offices.

Engineering dept. now on audit

Provincial engineer Hector Jamora confirmed that many offices, including the Engineering and Planning units, suffer from ceiling leaks.

Jamora said budget requests had already been submitted to address the current issues in the building, and their office is closely collaborating with the PGSO on repairs.

He clarified that while PGSO handles the routine maintenance of the Capitol building, repairs beyond its scope are referred to the Engineering Office.

Following a recent internal meeting, Jamora reportedly instructed his team to inspect all offices and identify necessary improvements, which may include adjustments such as installing or removing partitions.

He noted that due to the Capitol's status as a heritage structure, any modifications must be approached with caution and respect to its historical integrity.

Jamora’s initial directive reportedly focused on tracing the causes of the ceiling leaks and conducting a roof assessment.

He also acknowledged that they currently lack an as-built plan for the building, as well as a full inventory of its electrical infrastructure.

To remedy this, the Engineering Office has initiated a building-wide audit of all mechanical and electrical installations, including power outlets, switches, and lighting systems.

Regarding coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Jamora said there will be no major concerns, as long as the structural integrity and external features of the building remain unchanged.

When asked about the lack of fire escapes, compliance may still be achieved through the addition of directional signs or the construction of a proper exit if needed.

DILG and Comelec Cebu Province offices to stay at legislative building

Amid reports of potential office relocations within the Cebu Provincial Government, both the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu Province and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that they will remain in the Legislative Building.

The clarification comes after Baricuatro posted online that former governor Gwendolyn Garcia allegedly asked national government agencies, including DILG and Comelec, to vacate their offices at the Capitol to make way for a new "personal office" under the Office of the Vice Governor.

The Legislative Building houses the Office of the Vice Governor, Provincial Board members, and several national agency offices such as the Commission on Audit, Department of Agrarian Reform, DILG, and Comelec.

DILG Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr. said Baricuatro assured them they will be staying in the building.

“As of today, we already have the approval of Governor Pam Baricuatro that they will let us stay. There’s no transfer to speak of,” he said.

Sastrillo acknowledged that while the DILG has long been lobbying for a dedicated office building, they hope the proposal will push through under the new administration.

He recalled that a space in Barangay Lahug had previously been offered to the DILG, and there had also been a broader proposal in the past to move the entire Capitol to Balamban. However, those plans appear to have shifted with the change in leadership.

He also mentioned that an area near the Capitol's parking lot was once proposed as a potential relocation site in coordination with assistant provincial administrator Aldwin Empaces.

Sastrillo said there may have been existing funding allocated for the construction of a new DILG building in the past.

“Manghinaot lang mi nga mapadayon na during the time of Governor Pam to construct ang building for DILG,” he said, pointing out that the Local Government Code provides the legal basis for such a facility.

Meanwhile, Comelec provincial election supervisor Marchel Sarno echoed a similar stance, saying they weren’t officially asked to vacate the premises.

“Gi-assume namo nga dili madayon ang pagpahawa. Nakuhaan lang mi’g portion sa luyo,” Sarno noted, saying their old conference room had been converted into additional office space for the new set of Provincial Board Members.

Despite this, they continue to operate within the Legislative Building, albeit with adjustments.

He said under Section 55 of the Omnibus Election Code, the local government is mandated to provide suitable office space for the provincial election supervisor and registrar.

“There is a force of law to compel nga ang local government mo-provide og suitable office space,” Sarno said.

He acknowledged that their biggest challenge now is logistical, especially when holding meetings with officials from the province’s 54 cities and municipalities.

“Dili mi kasulod sa old conference room kay office na siya karon sa board members,” Sarno lamented.

Sarno added that while they are willing to compromise given their temporary status within the Legislative Building, there is still a need for a designated space that meets their operational requirements.

"We need to compromise pud kay we know nga nag hangyo ra mi diri sa Legislative (building) and we know nga kaning legislative ang primary purpose is for our legislators," he added. — (FREEMAN)