Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. has requested a report from the Office of the Building Official (OBO) regarding the enforcement of structural safety standards and measures to ensure buildings in Cebu City can withstand strong earthquakes. This follows the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck General Santos City and nearby areas in Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
The OBO is responsible for evaluating and issuing key construction documents such as Building Permits and Occupancy Permits. Its engineers conduct regular inspections during and after construction to ensure buildings are safe for occupancy and comply with structural standards.
In his privilege speech during the regular council session on Tuesday, June 9, Alcover emphasized the need to assess whether buildings across the city are strong enough to withstand a major earthquake. “The question before us today is both simple and profound: If a magnitude 7.8 earthquake were to strike Cebu City today, are we prepared?” he said.
The councilor noted that the extensive damage in General Santos City should serve as a warning for local governments to strengthen disaster preparedness measures before a similar catastrophe occurs. He highlighted the importance of emergency response readiness, as well as ensuring structural integrity to protect lives during strong earthquakes.
“In the aftermath of every major earthquake, investigations often reveal that casualties and property damage are aggravated by structural deficiencies, substandard construction, or the failure to strictly enforce building regulations,” he added.
Alcover also outlined the OBO’s role in safeguarding public safety. He said commercial establishments, offices, condominiums, schools, hospitals, and other structures must undergo rigorous assessment to ensure compliance with the National Building Code and other safety standards before being allowed to operate.
To this end, he requested the OBO, through the Office of the City Mayor, to submit a report on the implementation of structural safety inspections and the measures adopted to ensure building safety in Cebu City.
“Before any building, commercial establishment, office, condominium, school, hospital, or other structure is allowed to operate and accommodate occupants, there must be a thorough and uncompromising assessment of its structural integrity and compliance with the National Building Code and all applicable safety regulations,” he said.
The councilor also requested reports from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the City Rescue Unit, and other relevant emergency response agencies on their disaster preparedness capabilities, including the status of rescue equipment, manpower, communication systems, and operational readiness.
However, Alcover stressed that strict enforcement of building standards remains one of the most important components of disaster risk reduction, as structural failures are a common cause of major casualties and damage during earthquakes. “As public servants, we have the responsibility to ensure that safety standards are never compromised and that public welfare remains paramount in every stage of building construction and occupancy,” he said.
