Inspection, assessment, costing repair on some schools damaged by July 27 earthquake, done

In a letter dated October 18, 2022, Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera (DPWH-CAR) Baguio City District Engineering Office head Engr. Rene Zarate informed Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan that his office has already conducted inspection, assessment, costing and repair on some school building projects in the Summer Capital damaged by the July 27, 2022 earthquake.

The move was in compliance with the July 27, 2022 memorandum of DPWH Assistant Secretary Antonio Molano, Jr., and endorsed by Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol to all District Offices on August 4 this year, Zarate’s letter disclosed.

His letter pertained to the Vice Mayor’s letter, by authority of City Council Sec. Atty. Brenner Bengwayan, regarding resolution no. 460, series of 2022, “Earnestly urging the DPWH-BCDEO to immediately repair damaged school buildings in the City of Baguio caused by the July 27, 2022 earthquake.”

The measure states that after thorough inspection by the City Buildings and Architecture Office, many school buildings in the city were affected by the temblor with damages that require or need immediate repair and rehabilitation.

These schools include Mabini Elementary School, Irisan National High School, Baguio City Science National High School, Roxas National High School, Rizal National High School, and more.

Zarate also attached in his letter a copy of the submitted assessment report and costing of school building projects affected by the earthquake for the possible release of rehabilitation fund from the Department of Education for the Vice Mayor’s information and reference. – Gaby B. Keith