Following the destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected more than 720,000 residents in Mindanao, June 8, the University of the Philippines deployed a team of scientists and engineers to conduct structural inspections and assist local government units in making assessments in those areas. The team, consisting of the UP Resilience Institute and the UP Diliman Institute of Civil Engineering clusters, conducted fieldwork in General Santos City and Sarangani from June 10 to 13.
The UPRI cluster, headed by Executive Director Mahar Lagmay, included geologists Alena Taladua, Cristan Malaiba, and Julian Grageda; and civil engineer Kenneth Suarez. The UP ICE cluster, led by Professor Eric Tingatinga, had structural engineers Liezl Raissa Tan, Julius Rey Baniqued, and Joshua Agar.
In a statement, UP President Angelo Jimenez said, “These efforts aim to guide local authorities and stakeholders in making informed, science-driven decisions on the repair and rebuilding of structures, and preventing risks in the long-term.”
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that around 800 structures and 54,000 houses were damaged. The Office of Civil Defense said 14 LGUs have already declared a state of calamity.
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