Bauan, Batangas – In an effort to enhance its disaster preparedness and response capabilities, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bauan, Batangas, organized an infrastructure audit training program for the members of its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council. This initiative was conducted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas and USHER Technologies Inc., taking place at the Municipal Training Hall of Bauan, Batangas from September 11 to 13.
The participants included representatives from the Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Municipal Assessor Office, Municipal Budget Office, Municipal Accounting, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. In addition, representatives from the local Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Education (DepEd) also actively participated in the training.
The first part of the training focused on understanding building types and infrastructure monitoring. Participants were introduced to various types of buildings commonly found in the Philippines, including concrete, steel, and wooden structures. Dr. Baylon explained the advantages and disadvantages of each type, emphasizing factors such as strength, susceptibility to rust, and vulnerability to fire and termite infestation. The training also covered possible defects in each type of structure, such as blistering, cracking, and delamination in concrete buildings, as well as creeping, buckling, and cracking in steel structures. Additionally, Dr. Baylon discussed the significance of vertical and plan irregularities in structures and their impact on infrastructure audits. Various infrastructure monitoring systems, including those developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as pertinent laws and agencies responsible for enforcing building quality standards, such as the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP), were also discussed.
The second part of the training focused on the infrastructure audit process, explaining the practical aspects of conducting infrastructure audits. Dr. Baylon outlined the essential steps involved in the process, beginning with the passage of ordinances by the municipal board to enable audits. The discussion also covered the formation of a dedicated team comprising a project manager, a supervising engineer, and screeners, with clear definitions of each member’s responsibilities. The importance of pre-audit preparation, including reviewing building plans and procuring necessary supplies for the audit, was emphasized.
Participants were divided into five groups to simulate an actual infrastructure audit. Each group appointed a project manager and a supervising engineer, with the remaining members serving as screeners. These teams were deployed to specific locations within Bauan, including the Municipal Market, Bauan Technical High School, Gabadon East and West, and the Bauan Municipal Hall. After conducting audits, each group presented their findings and observations to a panel.
The three-day training sessions were facilitated by Dr. Michael B. Baylon, Senior Structural Engineer at USHER Technologies Inc. Each participant received a copy of the Infrastructure Audit Manual from DOST-CALABARZON as a reference guide during the audits.
