Parts of new Surigao evacuation center collapse before turnover

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del dur — A newly built P9.75-million evacuation center in Barangay Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, has drawn scrutiny after portions of its exterior metal cladding collapsed before turnover, prompting calls for an immediate technical audit.

The construction flaw came to light after resident Angel Montenegro Daray, whose home sits directly across the site, posted video footage showing sheets of exterior metal cladding peeled off and crumpled on the ground.

According to Daray, the collapse occurred early Sunday morning in the absence of any severe weather disturbance or seismic activity.

READ: Building collapse bad for nearby businesses

“There was no rain, no earthquake, and no strong wind. How on earth was this constructed?” Daray said in Surigaonon, pointing out that the structure sits just steps from the barangay hall and could have caused serious casualties had residents or schoolchildren been passing by when the portion collapsed.

Procurement records show that the project, officially titled “Construction of Multi-Purpose Building (Evacuation Center)” under Contract ID 23NH0030, had an approved budget of P9.9 million.

The contract was awarded to Tandag City-based RJ Construction and Supply on February 7, 2023, for P9,756,494.77, with a stipulated duration of 240 calendar days under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering Office.

The incident prompted local lawyer Mary Helen Zafra to issue an open letter addressed to the DPWH Caraga Regional Office, the Commission on Audit (COA), and local authorities, demanding an immediate inquiry and the release of all bidding, billing, and inspection records.

Zafra also called on Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo S. Momo Sr., chair of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, to ensure that infrastructure projects within his legislative district adhere strictly to engineering and safety standards.

“If it was only recently completed, why is it already in this state?” Zafra said, stressing that while video posts do not by themselves establish legal liability, the immediate failure of an evacuation facility warrants an impartial structural assessment.

Momo has yet to comment on Zafra’s call.

Efforts to reach RJ Construction and Supply proprietor Anilyn R. Sardovia proved futile. A company staff member informed this reporter by phone that she was out of town.

Imee de Guzman, information officer of the DPWH Surigao del Sur 1st District Engineering Office, said the office was preparing a formal response to written queries regarding the project’s inspection history, structural integrity, and completion status.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, the district office had yet to provide a copy of its response. /mcm