DPWH declares Iloilo Capitol safe after October 15 quake

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI has declared the Iloilo Provincial Capitol structurally sound and safe for continued occupancy following a magnitude 4.2 earthquake on October 15.

In a report to Provincial Engineer Romeo C. Andig, DPWH Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto said a non-destructive test was conducted to assess the building’s structural integrity.

The evaluation included a Rebound Hammer Test and an Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test, which are standard methods for assessing concrete strength and crack depth without damaging the structure.

Results showed that the Capitol’s concrete compressive strength averaged 57 MPa (about 8,200 psi), significantly higher than the design strength of 6,000 psi.

The UPV test also revealed that the observed cracks were only superficial, confined to the plaster layer with a thickness of 30 to 35 millimeters.

“Based on these findings, the observed cracks are superficial and limited to the plaster finish. Therefore, there is no immediate structural concern, and the building is considered safe for continued occupancy and operation,” Fruto stated in the report.

The assessment followed a tremor recorded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) in Guimbal at 6:48 a.m.

PHIVOLCS initially reported the earthquake at magnitude 4.4, with an epicenter 12 kilometers southeast of Guimbal at a depth of 15 kilometers.

The quake was felt at Intensity IV in Iloilo City and Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, and Intensity III in Guimbal, Miagao, and Oton, Iloilo.

Instrumental measurements recorded Intensity III in Nueva Valencia, Intensity II in San Lorenzo, Iloilo City, and Bago City, Negros Occidental, and Intensity I in Culasi, Antique, and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

The Iloilo Provincial Engineer’s Office requested the assessment to ensure the safety of employees and the public accessing the Capitol following the earthquake.