Western visayas:<Text>

Local government units, national government agencies, and other stakeholders in Western Visayas have been instructed to assess the structural integrity of buildings and critical infrastructure within their jurisdictions following a recent magnitude 4.8 earthquake. This directive, issued through disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) councils, aims to ensure public safety and guide necessary response and recovery efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, Regional DRRM council chair and Civil Defense Western Visayas Director Raul Fernandez issued Memorandum Order No. 18 on March 2. The memorandum calls for coordinated efforts among concerned agencies, provincial, city, and municipal engineering offices, and local DRRM offices to systematically inspect structures in accordance with established safety standards. The goals of these assessments include determining damage extent, identifying facilities posing immediate risks, recommending necessary actions such as repairs or retrofitting, and consolidating reports for submission to higher authorities.

Civil Defense Operations section chief Melissa Banias emphasized in a phone interview that assessments are advised after every earthquake. She noted that, since the memo's issuance and previous earthquake events, no major damages have been reported. These assessments help establish baseline data on damage extent, particularly for significant earthquakes. While private establishments are also encouraged to conduct assessments, they are not required to report to the regional DRRMC as they fall outside its jurisdiction.