Davao — In response to the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the Davao Region is intensifying its infrastructure audit program. This initiative is part of a proactive strategy to identify vulnerable structures and prevent future casualties in a region highly susceptible to seismic activity. By auditing both public and private buildings, the DILG aims to move beyond disaster response and toward evidence-based disaster preparedness.
A Proactive Approach to Disaster Resilience
The enhanced auditing program focuses on identifying buildings that are likely to collapse during high-magnitude seismic events. According to Henry Villanueva, an engineer at the DILG-Davao Project Development Management Unit, the audit allows the agency to recommend necessary retrofitting for essential public facilities that fail to meet safety standards. This data-driven approach is critical; findings from these audits are intended to inform updates to the National Building Code and guide the development of future local legislation, ensuring that safety standards are consistently upheld across the region.
Empowering Local Expertise
A core component of the DILG's strategy is the capacity-building of local government unit (LGU) engineers. To facilitate this, the DILG is partnering with academic institutions like the University of Mindanao and Ateneo de Davao University, as well as professional organizations such as the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines. Training sessions—which took place in June and are scheduled to continue in August 2026—equip these engineers to serve as regional focal persons who can lead local inspection teams. This network of trained professionals ensures that LGUs have the technical competency to understand basic structural requirements and make informed decisions on building safety.
Beyond Davao: A Nationwide Initiative
The push for stronger infrastructure audits in Davao is part of a larger national effort to bolster earthquake readiness across the Philippines. Following the successful pilot of the Harmonized Infrastructure Audit (HIAT) tool in regions like the National Capital Region and CALABARZON, the DILG is rolling out these practices nationwide. By standardizing how infrastructure is assessed and creating "Local Infrastructure Learning Hubs," the DILG is fostering a culture of preparedness that includes both the public and private sectors. These combined efforts reflect a commitment to building a more resilient nation where proactive planning and community-wide collaboration serve as the best defense against natural disasters.
