Las Piñas buildings checked for durability

MANILA, Philippines - Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar has ordered the inspection of all public and private buildings and establishments to determine their durability in case a strong earthquake hits Metro Manila.

In a statement, Aguilar said he tasked the city engineering department to conduct the inspection of factories, business establishments, public and private school buildings, hospitals, condominiums and other high rise residences in the city.

At the same time, he ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and private business establishment owners, school officials to implement quarterly earthquake drills and conduct information campaign about disasters.

Aguilar’s orders were in line with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology directives for local government heads to inspect the structural soundness of the buildings under their jurisdiction against earthquakes.

Las Piñas has been identified by Phivolcs as one of the concerned cities in case of major earthquakes.