Gingoog to focus on quake preparedness

GINGOOG City Councilor Jerome Magan emphasized the urgent need for the city to enhance safety measures in the aftermath of the significant earthquake experienced on December 2 last year, highlighting the importance of earthquake preparedness.

As the chairman of the Committee on Risk Reduction in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), Magan revealed in a telephone interview this afternoon (January 4) that the committee is now concentrating on earthquake preparedness initiatives.

Magan stressed the necessity for the city to be well-prepared for potential disasters and emphasized the importance of implementing preventive measures.

Citing reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhilVolcs), he pointed out the identification of a fault line near the Mercury Drug Store on the National Highway, near the Agora Market, and other commercial buildings in the city.

Acknowledging the significance of the fault line near Mercury Drug Store, Magan expressed concern and highlighted that the city has already issued notices to the building owner and the drug store’s management.

“Ang syudad nag-abiso na kanila kung unsay angay buhaton, kung adunay kusog nga linog nga moabot,” Magan said.

The committee’s focus extends to the review of building codes to assess their adequacy in the event of earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.5 and above.

In light of the earthquake on December 2, which marked the strongest tremor experienced in Gingoog, Magan disclosed ongoing inspections of buildings within the city.

He noted that some buildings have received correction notices from the Bureau of Fire, indicating the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly.

The city councilor emphasized the gravity of the situation and urged the community to prioritize safety measures in the face of potential seismic threats.