CEBU CITY, Philippines - – Officials here and elsewhere in Cebu province are now assessing the structural integrity of public and private buildings following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck parts of central and western Visayas yesterday morning.
For one, this city’s mayor, Michael Rama, yesterday instructed city engineers to inspect and assess the integrity of the city-owned and managed hospital whose patients were immediately transferred to the nearby Bureau of Fire Protection office and Pahina Central Sports Complex following yesterday’s temblor.
If it is safe for the patients to return to the hospital, the city’s social welfare, health and manpower development offices would oversee the task.
Dr. Stella Ygonia, city health officer, said the city hospital has to be temporarily closed while the assessment and inspection is ongoing.
Ygonia said emergency cases would be handled round the clock by barangay health centers in Parian, Pardo, Mabolo, Luz, and Punta Princesa.
Rama ordered the suspension of classes in all levels today, both in public and private schools.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes also issued the same order on the suspension of classes today. He also directed all private establishments to temporarily shut down until the damage to their buildings is assessed. – The Freeman