DAVAO CITY – The city government on Monday, Oct. 13, temporarily barred people from occupying four buildings here due to severe damage in the recent magnitude-7.4 earthquake.

In a public advisory, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (administrative and school building), The Velvet Suites and Hotel/Oroderm City, Magallanes Residences (Toledo building), and Teleperformance Davao were issued with red tag notices in which occupancy is strictly prohibited.

“Inspection results showed that the structure has sustained severe damage and is considered dangerous for occupancy. A comprehensive structural assessment is required, and entry or use of the premises is prohibited until all necessary repairs have been completed and cleared by the OCBO,” the city government said.

The Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao said that while their buildings' overall structural integrity remains intact, some non-structural damages were observed.

But they maintained that “these were limited to aesthetic or architectural components that will require minor interior repairs, which will be implemented as soon as possible.”

Mapúa MCM announced that it will shift to asynchronous classes on all levels for one week from Oct. 11 to 18 due to the recent earthquake and subsequent thorough safety inspection of the campus. 

Four establishments were issued yellow tag notices restricting the use of their buildings –  Felcris Centrale (Building A, B, and C), Gaisano Mall of Davao-Bajada (parking building), Vivaldi Residences Davao, and Mesatierra Garden Residences.

The city government said that inspection results revealed moderate structural or non-structural damage requiring repairs before full re-occupancy.

“Certain areas may remain accessible under controlled conditions, subject to the approval of the OCBO,” it added.

The city government said that establishments with yellow tag notices were directed to strictly comply with the conditions and safety requirements set by the Office of the City Buiding Official before allowing re-occupancy.

“These measures are implemented to ensure the safety and protection of residents, tenants, and the general public.”

The OCBO and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers have been conducting rapid inspections in different parts of the city.

OCBO chief Khashayar Toghyani called out business owners in the city to allow building officials and consultants to conduct inspections following the twin earthquakes.

Togyhani issued the statement after OCBO representatives and consultants were allegedly denied access by a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Ecoland here.

“I appeal to you that you should not stop us from doing our job. Because if something bad happened, I will hold you accountable,” he added.

The OCBO chief said they were denied entry because the BPO has been conducting repairs.

Toghyani urged workers to file complaints before the Department of Labor and Employment if they are forced to work amid unsafe working environment. “I would like to remind you, don’t do it. Because you cannot afford to pay the lives of these people.”

OCBO urged the public, especially employees and workers in offices, factories, and commercial establishments, to check and immediately report any signs of building damage.

It specifically appealed to look out for cracks on walls, columns, or floors, tilting or leaning structures, and jammed doors or unusual noises.

OCBO bared that inspection of other establishments with reported visible cracks are still ongoing and being jointly conducted by the OCBO and the PICE.