When the ground started shaking in Iloilo City at sunrise on October 15, 2025, residents and officials alike sprang into action. The magnitude 4.4 earthquake, which struck off Guimbal town at precisely 6:48 a.m., sent a ripple of anxiety through schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the epicenter was located just 13 kilometers south-southwest of Guimbal, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor registered Intensity IV in Iloilo City—a level strong enough to rattle nerves and prompt immediate safety checks.
Instrumental intensities were recorded at Intensity III in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, and Intensity II in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; Iloilo City; and Bago City, Negros Occidental. Light tremors were also reported in Culasi, Antique, and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, according to INQUIRER. As a precaution, students and employees evacuated their buildings, gathering in open spaces while awaiting official advisories about possible class and work suspensions. The city government issued a statement reminding everyone to stay calm and cooperate with authorities during building inspections.
With memories of recent disasters still fresh, the Iloilo City Government quickly referenced Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 022, series of 2024, which empowers school heads to conduct immediate visual inspections of their facilities. If there are any signs of structural risk, school officials can suspend classes to ensure the safety of students and staff. "This approach demonstrates that we prioritize the safety of our students and teachers while ensuring the continued education," the city government declared in its official advisory, as reported by INQUIRER.
Thankfully, no major damage or casualties were reported as of press time. But the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) remained on high alert, monitoring aftershocks and working closely with barangay officials to assess the structural integrity of buildings. The collective sigh of relief was palpable, but there was no room for complacency. After all, just two weeks earlier, the region had witnessed the devastating effects of a much stronger quake.
On September 30, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked Northern Cebu, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. The quake claimed over 70 lives and left hundreds injured, as homes and infrastructure crumbled under the force of nature. In the aftermath, the need for swift humanitarian assistance became glaringly apparent.
Stepping up in a time of crisis, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated US$200,000—approximately ₱11 million—in humanitarian aid to help the victims of the Cebu quake. The donation was formally handed over on October 14, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines. The Cebu Provincial Government received the funds through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), with Deputy Resident Representative Cherbett Karen L. Maralit expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Filipino people.
Representative Chow conveyed Taiwan’s deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and all those affected by the disaster. He also reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to stand with the Philippines in times of need, stating, "We hope for the swift recovery and rebuilding of the affected communities." The gesture, as noted by TECO and MECO officials, underscored the enduring friendship and mutual support between the two nations.
Taiwan’s willingness to enhance cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives was emphasized during the ceremony. Representative Chow remarked that joint efforts in resilience-building and emergency response are crucial for safeguarding communities in both countries. As the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the region increase, such partnerships become even more vital.
But what happens after the shaking stops? How do authorities and experts determine whether a building is safe to enter or in need of urgent repairs? According to Rappler, this is where the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) comes into play. ASEP, a professional organization of structural engineers, has long been at the forefront of post-earthquake rapid safety assessments. Their teams of volunteers, often working alongside government engineers and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, conduct visual inspections of buildings, bridges, ports, and harbors.
Dr. Rodolfo Mendoza Jr., president of ASEP, explained that their rapid assessments are guided by a standardized form based on the Applied Technology Council’s model from the United States. The process begins with determining whether any observed damage is structural—affecting the building’s skeleton, such as its foundation, columns, and beams—or non-structural, like ceilings and partition walls. The severity of damage is then rated as none, minor, moderate, or severe.
Based on these findings, structures are classified into three categories: inspected (safe to occupy), restricted use (partially safe, with some areas off-limits), or off limits (unsafe to occupy). Once the government decides on access, placards displaying the assessment results are placed outside the building for all to see. If further action is needed, such as barricading dangerous areas or conducting detailed evaluations, professional engineers are brought in to carry out these tasks.
For private building owners, ASEP members can conduct assessments, but these are done independently from the organization. Government-owned buildings, on the other hand, are inspected by engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways or third-party professionals. The entire process is designed to be swift and efficient, but also thorough—because even a minor oversight can have dire consequences during aftershocks.
Non-engineers aren’t left entirely in the dark, either. Dr. Mendoza shared three practical tips for ordinary citizens to check building safety after an earthquake: look out for falling hazards or loose debris (including unsecured furniture), inspect for large new cracks, and check if the building is tilting—even slightly. He pointed out that, based on ASEP’s past assessments, most earthquake casualties result from the collapse of non-structural elements or unsecured items, rather than from the failure of the building’s main structure.
The lessons from years of post-earthquake assessments are clear. Buildings constructed in compliance with the National Building Code (NBC) and the supplementary National Structural Code tend to fare much better during earthquakes. Those that collapse or are severely damaged often have compliance issues. But compliance on paper isn’t enough—proper construction, regular maintenance, and the involvement of professional engineers at every stage are essential for true resilience.
In 2014, ASEP, Phivolcs, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) developed a 12-point checklist to help homeowners assess their disaster readiness. Still, Dr. Mendoza stressed that even the best-designed building can be compromised if construction shortcuts are taken or maintenance is neglected. "It’s important that the construction is conducted by competent contractors who follow the agreed-upon plan diligently, down to the proper dimensions and materials," he told Rappler.
As Iloilo City and the wider Visayas region continue to recover and prepare for future earthquakes, these lessons resonate louder than ever. The combined efforts of local authorities, international partners like Taiwan, and the country’s own engineering experts offer both reassurance and a roadmap for safer, more resilient communities in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
