Quake prompts Mandaue to inspect bldgs

CEBU, Philippines – The 4.7-magnitude earthquake that hit some parts of Visayas on Monday prompted Mandaue City administrator James Abadia to order city engineers to conduct an inspection of all government buildings.

City engineer Andres Suson yesterday created four teams to check the government buildings.

Although Suson has yet to receive reports from his personnel, he already visited the city's mountain barangays with Engr. Crystal Cosedo.

So far, only the Cubacub barangay health center was affected by last Monday's earthquake, Suson reported.

Cosedo said that when she and Engr. Suson went to Cubacub health center, they only found hairline cracks in the said edifice and it needs a minor repair.

Cosedo said the quake caused a crack in the health center because the land where the health center now stands was only back-filled.

"Lapok man gud na diha sa una, giabunohan ra kay dili naman siya natural elevation busa mouyog gyud dayon kun dunay linog," Cosedo said.

However, the damage only needs a minor repair because the columns and beams are still intact, Cosedo said.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said disaster preparedness should be given all the more importance during these times.

"I'd like the Department of Education to include disaster preparedness in the curriculum," the mayor said.