Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, caretakers of heritage sites were reminded to properly assess and manage damage to historical structures.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Monday, June 8, advised site caretakers to do the following if the structures they are overseeing were affected by the powerful quake:
- Enter damaged sites only in coordination with local authorities after the area has been declared safe.
- Secure the premises and protect entry and exit points to prevent unauthorized access.
- Check the stability of the structure and wear protective clothing (i.e. hard hats, appropriate gloves, brightly colored clothes) before entering the premises.
- Document or take photographs of damaged objects.
- Retrieve and wrap the objects, if possible, using Japanese tissue or clean cloth, and place them in sturdy boxes.
- If circumstances permit, label and group broken parts together for easier identification later.
- Bring the retrieved objects to a safe place identified by the heritage site administrator/s and away from the damaged structure.
- Take detailed photographs of damage incurred and label broken parts. Create a quick inventory containing the name of the object, measurements, component materials, present condition and damage/s observed.
- Consult professionals and skilled artisans for the restoration of damaged objects.
The NHCP also said that if time and circumstances permit, caretakers are recommended to retrieve other undamaged movable objects for protection.
The agency added that it is committed to supporting efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and is ready to provide technical guidance as needed.
“We stand in solidarity with all affected citizens in these events,” it said.
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The NHCP also advised caretakers to be careful about posting photos on social media as this may attract thieves and other individuals with ill intentions.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that occurred at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, with its epicenter located 32 kilometers south, four degrees west of Maasim, Sarangani.
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Areas that suffered “destructive” tremor was General Santos City, while those in Palimbang and Sen. Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat felt a “very strong” quake, according to state seismologists.
The earthquake caused several buildings and establishments to collapse, including one at Matanao National High School.