MGB experts assess Cebu ports for soil instability after September earthquake

The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has requested the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct a Geological Site Scoping on port areas affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on 30 September 2025.

According to CPA General Manager Francisco Commendador III, the assessment is essential to ensure that repair and rehabilitation works at damaged port facilities are guided by solid geotechnical data and expert analysis. “It’s really important that we rely on the expertise of our colleagues from DENR, especially MGB-7. There’s a genuine concern that if the hazard assessments reveal serious issues like soil instability or unsuitable locations, some ports might not be safe to keep operating,” Commendador said.

He added that the geological review will identify key risks, such as soil liquefaction, ground subsidence, or site instability, and help determine whether existing port locations remain viable for long-term operations. “If we ignore these risks, we might waste resources on repairs that won’t last and, more importantly, put people in danger. It’s better to know early so we can explore other options,” he noted.

The Geological Site Scoping will deploy MGB-7 experts to assess geotechnical stability, evaluate hazard susceptibility, and recommend necessary mitigation measures before reconstruction begins. The initiative aims to ensure that rehabilitation proceeds only on safe, stable foundations that comply with national safety and engineering standards.

One of the hardest-hit facilities is the Tabogon Port in northern Cebu, which sustained extensive structural damage from the earthquake. Another affected site is the Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, a vital passenger and cargo terminal linking Cebu mainland to Bantayan Island. While Hagnaya remains operational, seawater has begun to encroach on portions of the docking area during high tide, prompting temporary adjustments.

Additional concerns have also been reported from ports in Bogo City and Daanbantayan, where visible ground changes and minor structural distress have been observed. The CPA has requested urgent technical assistance from MGB-7 to assess these locations, identify geological threats, and propose remedial actions to prevent further deterioration.

Commendador stressed that the agency’s collaboration with MGB-7 is crucial for protecting both lives and infrastructure. “This technical guidance is vital to avoid unsafe investments and to protect crucial infrastructure that supports the northern Cebu economy and inter-island transportation,” he said.