The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local government units (LGUs) directly affected by the recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake to inspect buildings, public infrastructure and residential houses to help ensure the safety of communities as aftershocks continue.

The DILG issued an advisory to governors, mayors, and DILG offices in regions 9, 11 and 12, as well as building officials, city and municipal engineers, and other concerned offices, to conduct rapid structural assessments of affected structures, particularly those located in heavily impacted areas or showing visible signs of damage.

According to the DILG, buildings must be assessed and cleared before people are allowed to return.

“Where structures are found to be unsafe, LGUs are advised to take immediate protective measures, including evacuation and temporary relocation, to prevent further risk to residents,” the DILG stated.

Close coordination sought

The department has also directed LGUs to closely coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Bureau of Fire Protection and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices to conduct inspections, validate damage reports, and implement necessary interventions.

The advisory aligns with the DILG’s ongoing implementation of its Infrastructure Audit (IA) Program, which equips LGUs with the tools and capacity to assess the structural integrity of public infrastructure.

A key component of the program is the Harmonized IA Tool, developed in consultation with various stakeholders. The tool provides LGUs with a standardized and science-based framework for evaluating the condition and safety of government facilities.

To date, the DILG has trained 854 LGUs nationwide on the proper use of the Harmonized IA Tool, including 208 LGUs in Mindanao.

As of 15 May 2026, the IA Program has recorded 3,302 LGU-owned buildings across Mindanao, with most already undergoing rapid visual screening and detailed building inspections.

According to the department, these assessments enable local governments to identify facilities that may need further structural evaluation, corrective maintenance, or other interventions to ensure public safety and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

“While earthquakes cannot be predicted, their impacts can be reduced through sound engineering, proactive governance, and regular infrastructure assessments,” the department said.