Overview of the 6.9 Magnitude Tremor’s Aftermath
A powerful magnitude-6.9 earthquake shook the Negros Island region, prompting rapid assessments of buildings across several municipalities. Local disaster officials reported minor cracks in a range of structures, including government offices, schools, and churches. While the event caused alarm, authorities emphasized that no widespread structural failures or casualties had been confirmed, with inspections ongoing to ensure public safety.
Affected Buildings Across Negros Occidental
Initial assessments identified new cracks near stairwells and elevator cores in the Cyber Center building in Bacolod City, a facility under the provincial government that remains operational. Similar concerns were noted in Silay City, where several structures showed signs of stress, including the police station, the Hall of Justice, the public market, the San Diego Cathedral, and educational institutions such as Silay Institute, Saint Therese Academy, and Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School. The Department of Education (DepEd) also reported minor damage indicators in related facilities.
Schools Under Scrutiny
In Moises Padilla town, two schools—the Odiong Elementary School and the Guinpana-an National High School-Odiong Extension—reported cracks on walls and floors. Municipal Engineer Agnes Glia Mabag, who inspected these facilities with help from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Oct. 2, noted that the Odiong Elementary structure dates back to the 1980s, suggesting age-related vulnerabilities alongside quake-induced stress. The high school building exhibited only minor cracks rather than severe damage, while Montilla Elementary School and the town’s main evacuation center sustained similar light impacts.
Heritage and Religious Structures
Architectural landmarks were not exempt. The centuries-old Santa Maria Magdalena Parish in Hinigaran town sustained a small crack in a rear section, though church authorities characterized the damage as limited. The incident underscores how historic buildings, often not designed to modern seismic standards, respond to stronger ground shaking.
<h2Safety and Response Efforts
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has been coordinating inspection teams to rapidly identify unsafe areas while maintaining public access to essential services where possible. In Silay City and Isabela town, four injuries were reported due to falling objects and related illnesses, highlighting the ongoing need for precautionary measures even when major structural damage is absent.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced that the Provincial Capitol Building underwent immediate inspection by the Provincial Engineering Office and was found to have no structural damage. This reassurance helps ease concerns about government operations during the recovery phase, though officials continue monitoring conditions city by city.
Community Impacts and Next Steps
Residents have expressed relief that the vast majority of facilities remain functional, allowing schools to continue operations and government services to proceed with caution. The events also prompt a renewed focus on building resilience through retrofits, more frequent structural assessments, and potential reinforcement of older structures—particularly those built before modern seismic codes or those with distinctive heritage value.
What to Expect Going Forward
Experts anticipate continued inspections in the coming days as aftershocks and tremors—a natural part of seismic sequences—may reveal additional minor issues. Authorities urge school administrators, church caretakers, and business owners to maintain vigilance, secure shelves and heavy equipment, and prepare emergency plans for students and parishioners. Public advisories will guide safe use of facilities during this recovery window, with a focus on safeguarding life, property, and essential services across Negros Occidental.
