08/07/2026
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐨
General Santos City Councilor Richard L. Atendido has assured investors that the city remains a safe and viable location for development despite the area's susceptibility to liquefaction during major earthquakes.
During the City Council's regular session on Tuesday, July 7, Atendido addressed concerns raised following the release of hazard maps identifying parts of the city as prone to liquefaction. He stressed that such classifications do not automatically render the affected areas unsuitable for development.
Citing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Atendido explained that land identified as liquefaction-prone can still be developed, provided developers comply with environmental and engineering requirements.
"Iyong subdivision, iyong applicant, before giving ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate ) they have to conduct EGGAR (Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment), kasi part iyon ng ECC, so iyong EGGAR, kasi pagnag-apply sila sa LGU for development permit, part doon sa hiningi is ang ECC," Atendido said.
According to the councilor, the EGGAR evaluates site-specific geological conditions to determine whether an area is vulnerable to liquefaction and recommends the appropriate structural design and foundation system needed to mitigate the risk.
He emphasized that PHIVOLCS hazard maps are intended to guide planning and engineering decisions rather than prohibit construction.
"According to PHIVOLCS, it does not mean that because an area is in the red zone or is prone to liquefaction, it is already non-buildable. It is still buildable," he said.
Atendido acknowledged that the hazard classification may cause apprehension among potential investors, particularly those unfamiliar with the purpose of geohazard maps.
"The problem is, kinategorize na ng PHIVOLCS , sinabi na ng PHIVOLCS , na buong red na iyan is prone for liquifaction," he added.
The councilor reiterated that strict compliance with environmental regulations, geohazard assessments, and engineering standards will ensure that developments in General Santos City remain safe despite the area's liquefaction risk.