Written by: Patrick Ryan Bello, Franklin Joshua G. Gali, and Jonathan David M. Maligalig
From October 7-10, 2025, representatives of the UP Resilience Institute Institution Building Division (UPRI-IB) sent a Quick Response Team (QRT) to UP Cebu following the September 30 earthquake. Led by Chief Science Research Specialist Jose Abraham Ongkiko, the QRT consisted of IB REPs Patrick Ryan Bello, Franklin Joshua Gali, and Jonathan David Maligalig. The first task of the team was to conduct a rapid assessment for the occupational safety of the various UP Cebu buildings.
In fulfilling this task, the UPRI-IB QRT utilized the MATATAG-Check, a tool developed by the division to identify salient hazards within specific areas. During the first day of assessment, the QRT was accompanied by Engr. Nicodimus Delda and Engr. Cristian Leonero to assess the Student and Faculty Housing, Administrative and New Science Buildings, Main Library, and Technology Innovation Center. The MATATAG-Check continued on the second day with the Arts and Science Building and School of Management.
Following a series of other activities, the QRT continued with the conduct of MATATAG-Check on 10 October 2025 at the UP Cebu South Road Properties (SRP) extension campus which consisted of the Auditorium, Professional Schools building, and Training Commons. Accompanied by the Campus Maintenance staff member Louie Lenares, the QRT assessed the key areas within the buildings which included the library, offices, and gymnasium.
The QRT consolidated the results of these assessments in the formulation of a report that identified the hazards in the various areas. In line with the UPRI-IB’s mandate of capacitating the UP System, the division is also dedicated to providing recommendations to address and mitigate the potential effects of the identified hazards.
