The Office of the Building Official (OBO) in Cebu City has called on owners of older buildings to have their structures assessed and retrofitted to mitigate risks from a potential magnitude 7.2 to 7.5 earthquake. Florante Catalan, head of the OBO, emphasized that aging structures remain the city's biggest concern despite strict standards for newer developments.
Renewed Focus on Earthquake Preparedness
Discussions on earthquake preparedness have intensified after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck parts of Mindanao on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Experts have warned that faults affecting Cebu could generate a major earthquake capable of producing Intensity 8 ground shaking.
New Buildings Meet Standards
Catalan noted that newly constructed buildings comply with current earthquake-resistant standards because they undergo multiple layers of review before, during, and after construction. Before issuing a building permit, the OBO requires developers to submit structural plans, engineering analyses, and other technical requirements, including soil tests for larger structures. Engineers and architects review these documents to ensure designs meet safety standards and can withstand expected loads and seismic activity.
"Before they start construction, they submit a notice of construction to the office so we know who the engineers, architects, and contractors involved in the project," Catalan said in Cebuano. Inspections continue throughout construction to ensure builders follow approved plans before the city issues occupancy permits. Structural engineers consider earthquake forces, wind loads, and other hazards when designing buildings.
Concerns for Older Structures
Despite these safeguards, Catalan stressed that owners of older buildings must not remain complacent. When asked whether Cebu City is prepared for a magnitude 7.2 to 7.5 earthquake, he said: "Two things. Yes for new buildings. Not entirely yes, or maybe a little no, for older buildings. They must check, retrofit, and evaluate buildings, especially those that are already 50 years old."
Buildings that are 15 years old and above must secure Annual Inspection Certificates. This process requires assessments by licensed engineers and architects to determine whether structures remain safe for occupancy. "If a building is already 15 years old, we determine whether it is still safe. We require certifications and testing results before issuing a certificate," Catalan said.
Hazardous Buildings Identified
The Cebu City Government maintains records of buildings already declared hazardous due to age and structural deterioration. "There are buildings that we have already declared hazardous because they are old. They are already in our records," Catalan said. Some owners have applied for demolition permits after structural engineers determined their buildings were no longer safe. Owners of unsafe structures must undertake repairs, retrofitting, or demolition. "Rather than waiting for something to happen during an earthquake," Catalan added.
Shared Responsibility
Catalan emphasized that ensuring earthquake resilience is a shared responsibility between government regulators and private property owners. While the Cebu City Government conducts annual monitoring through inspection requirements, building owners must hire qualified professionals to assess their structures regularly. "There are what we call Annual Inspection Certificates. Buildings are checked every year," he said.
Cebu City's high-rise buildings and newer developments utilize current structural standards, but earthquakes remain unpredictable. "What we cannot completely prevent is what may happen when a strong earthquake strikes," Catalan said. The city's greatest challenge involves ensuring older buildings remain safe, and he urged owners not to wait for a major earthquake before having their structures evaluated.
