DMCI Homes improving building durability of Davao condominiums after 2019 earthquake

DMCI HOMES is strengthening the durability of its condominium buildings in Davao City in light of a recent earthquake that hit the region last year.

In a statement over the weekend, the Consunji-led property developer said it completed seismic upgrades on the four buildings in its Verdon Parc project, namely Martel, Belvedere, Trevans and Maurin.

It engaged the Office of the City Building Official, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers and Macro Consulting Structural Engineers Company in the planning and construction of the structural enhancements, it said.

Among the efforts were retrofitting the structure, reinforcing columns and beams with carbon fiber, and adding cross-brace and knee-brace support in strategic locations.

“As we start the turnover of the Belvedere building this month, our clients can be assured that Verdon Parc is up to the latest seismic safety standards. We have also enhanced the property’s features and property management services to complete residents’ resort-living experience at Verdon Parc,” DMCI Homes Vice-President for Project Development Dennis O. Yap said in the statement.

The Trevans and Maurin buildings are likewise scheduled for turnover by February and October next year, respectively.

Earlier this year, President Rodrigo R. Duterte threatened DMCI Holdings, Inc. that he will “not grant (the company) any permit to dig” following an issue relating to a condominium he said it built in Davao City.

The condominium is Ecoland 4000, which reportedly sustained “major cracks” after an earthquake in Davao City late last year.

DMCI Holdings is the listed parent of DMCI Homes, which recorded a 58% earnings decline to P3.91 billion during the past three quarters due to the coronavirus pandemic. — Denise A. Valdez