Mandaue City SP office suffers cracks, damage

CEBU, Philippines — The magnitude 5.1 earthquake on April 6 caused cracks and ceiling damage in portions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) office at Mandaue City Hall.

The minor structural issues were discovered after the Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) conducted inspections across various city government offices to ensure the safety of employees and the public after the tremor, which was felt Monday afternoon. The earthquake’s epicenter was traced to Bogo City.

In an interview yesterday, April 9, City Administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on Jr. said the city is still awaiting the final assessment from the Office of the Building Official (OBO), but emphasized that no major damage has been recorded so far.

Initial findings from the CDRRMO showed that the SP office is currently unsafe for occupancy, particularly due to damage in the ceiling area above work cubicles. As a precaution, personnel have been temporarily evacuated, and the area has been cordoned off.

SP Office aide Roel Pundavela recounted the tense moments during the quake, saying the situation could have been more dangerous if the shaking had lasted longer.

“Kung na taud-tauran to, kuyaw gyud to,” he said, adding that they were fortunate to evacuate quickly.

In a separate interview, CDRRMO head Buddy Ybañez confirmed that employees are not allowed to enter or stay in the affected section.

Ybañez added that both their office and the building officials are coordinating closely to release a full report and determine the necessary repairs.

“Recommend gyud namo nga i-repair nalang gyud ang kisame,” Ybañez said, stressing the need for immediate ceiling repairs.

He also noted that some cracks observed in other parts of city hall were pre-existing and only superficial.

Meanwhile, Malig-on said that Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano is waiting for the final report before deciding on repair priorities and identifying funding sources.

Employees have been advised to remain alert for aftershocks as authorities continue monitoring the situation. MRM CEBU NEWS