Real estate leader calls for construction of quake-resistant structures

Local

A REAL estate leader has urged developers to construct stronger, earthquake-resistant structures as authorities continue to assess damage and monitor aftershocks in northern Cebu following the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Realtor Anthony Gerard Leuterio, founder of Filipino Homes, one of the largest real estate networks in the Philippines based in Cebu, renewed his call during the National Real Estate Convention 2025 on Sunday, Oct. 19.

He said developers must integrate resilient designs and adopt modern technology that can endure tremors of up to magnitude 8.5.

“You cannot stop nature,” Leuterio said. “What we can do is make our buildings earthquake-resistant, meaning as high as 8.5 intensity.”

He said Japan’s experience shows how strict engineering standards and disaster preparedness help protect communities from severe damage.

“You look at Japan, almost every week there’s an earthquake, but the country remains number one in terms of economy and buildings,” he said.

Leuterio said the real estate market in Cebu remains active despite the earthquake, noting that buyer interest increased shortly after the tremor.

He added that developers must act quickly when homes are damaged and ensure repairs are made without delay.

The earthquake, which struck northeast of Bogo City on Sept. 30, damaged homes, schools, roads, and bridges across several northern towns.

According to the latest situation report on Monday, October 20, Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that 203,400 families or 645,570 individuals were affected, with 79 people killed and 1,325 injured.

Damage assessments show that 129,170 houses were partially damaged and 4,596 were totally destroyed.

At least 17 roads and 15 bridges need repair, while 94 hospitals, government offices, and community facilities sustained varying degrees of damage.

The Department of Education-Cebu Province reported 753 classrooms totally destroyed, 986 in need of major repair, and 1,955 with minor damage.

Face-to-face classes remain suspended in many affected areas as schools shift to modular learning amid poor connectivity and limited resources.

According to the PDRRMO, its Emergency Operations Center continues 24-hour operations to coordinate recovery efforts and validate field reports.

It said teams have been deployed to document stories of resiliency among affected families and local responders.

Officials also warned residents to stay alert to ongoing aftershocks, ground fissures, and reported sinkholes in several towns.

Families in San Remigio and Tabogon continue to stay outdoors or in temporary shelters, while local governments have requested more tents, water supply, and hygiene kits for displaced residents.

Leuterio said the scale of damage in northern Cebu should compel developers to adopt stronger standards and prioritize disaster-resilient construction.

He said building durable homes and commercial structures is vital to safeguarding lives and ensuring faster recovery in future disasters.(MyTVCebu)