Capiz capitol declared structurally safe after quake

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The century-old Capiz provincial capitol and other key government buildings have been declared structurally sound following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025, and was strongly felt across Panay Island.

Capiz Provincial Engineer Antonio Cerado gave the assurance during an interview with the Daily Guardian on Oct. 3, after inspection teams assessed the buildings on Oct. 1.

He said inspectors from the Office of the Building Official (OBO), the Facility Conservation Office, and the Provincial Engineer’s Office all declared the buildings “safe for occupancy” after thorough assessments.

“The safety of our employees and the public remains our top priority, and we will continue to monitor and ensure the integrity of our government facilities,” Cerado said.

The OBO also deployed additional teams to conduct simultaneous inspections to confirm structural integrity and ensure public safety.

The old Capiz provincial capitol, built in 1901 upon the order of the late Sulpicio Jugo Vidal—the province’s first governor—stands beside the Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral.

Meanwhile, the administration of Gov. Fredenil Oto Castro is constructing a five-story provincial capitol on a three-hectare lot in Pueblo de Panay, Barangay Dinginan, Roxas City.