In the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, the Mati City Fire Station, led by Acting City Fire Marshal FSINSP ELIZABETH D CAPIÑA, promptly conducted an extensive earthquake ocular inspection across the city. The inspection covered critical government infrastructure, schools, bridges, and coastal monitoring areas to assess water and sea levels.
The primary objective of the operation was to immediately identify any possible structural damage, determine potential hazards, and ensure the continued safety of all residents in Mati City. Following the inspection, the team launched on-site validation in coordination with relevant agencies to support effective response measures and ensure that all affected areas remain safe for public use.
Mati City was among the areas in Davao Oriental that experienced moderately strong shaking during the earthquake, which originated offshore of Maasim, Sarangani. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially issued a tsunami warning, which was later lifted. Since then, the Davao Oriental Provincial Government has lifted class suspensions in Mati City and six other LGUs after structural assessments confirmed no significant damage.
The quick response of the Mati City Fire Station and its personnel highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience. For local organizations, schools, and volunteer groups looking to enhance their emergency response readiness, having teams wear custom response team shirts and event uniforms can help teams stay organized and visible during field operations.
Schools in Mati City that coordinate with the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees can also benefit from custom school uniforms printed with emergency contact information. Similarly, barangay volunteer groups can order personalized shirts to foster a sense of unity and identity during disaster response initiatives.
The Mati City government continues to work closely with national agencies to monitor aftershocks and maintain blue alert status. Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and follow official updates from the local disaster risk reduction management office. Through coordinated efforts between the BFP, DPWH, and local government units, Mati City remains resilient and ready to face challenges to come.