The municipality of San Jose respectfully informs the public of the demolition and dismantling of the elevated steel water tank situated within the vicinity of the municipal compound, beside the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) Building (former Water District Office). The said move serves as a preemptive measure by the municipal local government unit (LGU) to prevent any untoward incidents in the future.

It can be recalled that on June 13, 2023, the municipality experienced a magnitude 5.7 earthquake that caused the structure to slightly swing. This caused concern to the LGU staff and the public who were in the area.

While the LGU recognize its significance as a landmark and its previous service to the households of San Jose, the safety of the public and nearby structures is of top concern.

The LGU San Jose believes that the welfare of our people must be prioritized, and provide them with safe public spaces that are free from any possible hazards caused by any unforeseen events, thus the necessity to take proper intervention at the earliest time possible to prevent and mitigate its risks.

Recent geophysical events, such as the one above, have caused the Municipality of San Jose to take preventive measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public.

The elevated steel water tank is considered hazardous and dangerous and may potentially cause harm and danger to life and property, as certified by the Municipal Engineering Office through its Inspection Report.

This was also supported by the Inspection Report provided by the Commission on Audit on October 3, 2023, which highlighted that “the elevated steel water tank is quite threatening for the reason that the corrosion is visible in some parts of its structural members, making its integrity weaken and posing a danger to public life and safety.”

The said measure was also allowed by the Commission on Audit as per its COA Report, and the identified structure was considered ready for demolition in line with the results of the ocular inspection conducted.

This was also supported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through Council Resolution No. 09, Series of 2023, “Declaring the Elevated Steel Water Tank located at the Municipal Compound, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro as Hazardous Structure and Further Recommending its Dismantling and Demolition to Safeguard the Life and Property of the General Public.”

Authorization was also sought from the Sangguniang Bayan of San Jose, which was also approved through SB Resolution No. 7595, “Authorizing The Dismantling of the Elevated Steel Water Tank donated by San Jose Water District to proceed with the Necessary Pre-Demolition Activities of the Local Government Unit of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.”

In line with this, the abovementioned measure will be carried out in accordance with the proper and systematic process and comply with all the necessary safety measures.

The LGU San Jose are all aware of the public’s concerns and sentiments regarding this and ensures that the demolition was thoroughly planned, considered, and followed due process.

Rest assured that the municipality will continue to ensure the safety of the public. In genuine service and towards responsive governance, the San Jose LGU is looking for the public’s kind cooperation and meritorious understanding. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA – Occidental Mindoro)