AGM Engineering Services

02/12/2025

Baha na sad sa Lapu-Lapu? You know what the actual problem is?

We’re still stuck using the old “project by phase” mindset. Everything takes years before it fully materializes. Why not build short-term, scalable solutions? Temporary remedies that solve problems now but can be seamlessly integrated into long-term plans.

Unsaon mana nimong giinstallan ug drainage pero walay klarong outfall? Magponding ra gihapon sa kilid. Ang gamay baha sauna mas baha na karon. Example: Babag.

Daghan ta’g engineers. Bright, capable, innovative. Pero we keep forcing them to work under an outdated and slow system. We’re not lacking talent. We’re lacking the freedom and flexibility to innovate. Asa na ang engineering innovation karon?

To be fair, the local government is doing something. There are ongoing projects and efforts to improve drainage and road systems. But if we want real results, we need a smarter approach.

If you ask me about the best possible solution for flooding in Lapu-Lapu, here’s the straightforward answer: No single project will fix it. The only effective approach is a layered, mix-use stormwater management system.

And please, dili magpailad sa mga saad. Politicians are not engineers. (Read that again.)

Flood control projects should be modular and built in sections that can later be integrated into a larger system. This is how we maximize budgets, speed up action, and reduce suffering every time it rains.



Hello Department of Public Works and Highways DPWH Region 7 - Central Visayas

08/11/2025

To the Officials of the DPWH, DENR, Local Government Units, and Project Proponents,

I am writing this out of frustration and heartbreak. Every time a storm hits, the same scenes repeat: flooded homes, desperate families waiting on rooftops, people clutching what little they have left. And after the rain stops, the same excuses come out, the same press releases, the same calls for “resilience.”

But what we really need is responsibility.

We have flood control projects worth billions, yet entire communities are still underwater. We have drainage systems that fail at the first sign of heavy rain. We have environmental agencies that are supposed to protect our forests, rivers, and coastlines, yet continue to approve projects that destroy them. We have local governments that talk about disaster preparedness, yet are always caught unprepared, relying on relief operations instead of real prevention.

Some of our officials were even abroad while people here were fighting for their lives. That speaks volumes about priorities.

To the DPWH, we are tired of seeing projects that serve as monuments of corruption instead of protection. Flood control should not be an avenue for kickbacks. It should be a lifeline for the people.

To the DENR, every approval you sign carries weight. When you allow reclamation, mining, or any project that harms the environment, you are signing away the safety of future generations.

To the LGUs, your role is not only to hand out relief goods after a disaster. Your duty is to prevent that disaster in the first place. Planning and preparation should not start when the floodwaters rise, they should start long before.

And to the project proponents, stop treating people’s lives as collateral damage. Profit should never come before public safety.

This letter comes from someone who has seen enough. The people deserve better, not tomorrow, not next year, but now. How many more storms do we need before real accountability takes root? How many more lives must be lost before action replaces talk?

We are not asking for miracles. We are asking for honesty, competence, and compassion.

Sincerely,
A concerned Filipino

07/11/2025

Thank you Neptune Water Distribution Services. Asbuilt drawings with sign & seal.

04/11/2025

Praying for Cebu 🙏🏻 and everyone affected by .

Pero sige nalang tag ‘Pray for Cebu.’ From roads and government buildings that crumble with every quake, to flood control systems that either don’t exist or don’t work at all. We’re told to be resilient, again.. But how long must we keep enduring what could have been prevented? It’s time we not only pray, but also demand accountability from those who wasted our hard-earned taxes.

30/10/2025

LIFTER DESIGN + CONNECTION DESIGN
Validated the design for a steel lifter support, including connection design and checking. Ensured all members and joints meet load, stability, and safety requirements. Ready for fabrication.

24/10/2025

Initial Renders for the Proposed Unit Renovation (Scheme 2)
Location: Amoa Subdivision, Compostela

10/10/2025

Engineers, this is a call for integrity.

With everything happening, floods that could’ve been prevented, substandard works exposed, and structures failing after every quake, we’re reminded that engineering is never just about design and numbers.

As engineers, our duty goes beyond the plans we sign. It’s about integrity, building safely, honestly, and for the people who trust us with their lives.

Let’s bring back pride in doing things right. 🙏🏻 💪🏼👷🏻‍♂️

07/10/2025

THE PROPER WAY TO GET YOUR HOME CONSTRUCTED

1. HIRE A PRIME PROFESSIONAL. The owner has the option to hire either an architect or a civil engineer to act as a prime professional. They are best suited to act as prime professionals or project managers. The prime professional serves as the contact point between the other trades and the client. The architectural design begins with an architect, but a civil engineer can also serve as the prime professional who leads the overall coordination since they have general knowledge of construction. Once the prime professional is appointed, he or she is tasked with creating a team composed of architects and engineers. While both can serve as prime professionals, each must stay within their professional scope as defined by law.

2. CONDUCT A SITE VISIT. It is a must for all parties to discuss ideas and proposals on the actual site rather than virtually. However, this can also be done online as long as all areas of concern are addressed. Always do a project brief before proceeding with the design. Avoid rushing the design process. Conduct a soil test and topographic survey before finalizing the design to ensure proper foundation and site planning.

3. DESIGN PHASE. The design should always start with an architect, regardless of whether the prime professional is a civil engineer or not. The architect will prepare and finalize the floor plans before the structural and other engineering disciplines start their design. Hire licensed engineers for each field of work. Each professional should only sign and take responsibility for their respective discipline. Regular coordination between the architect, engineers, and the client ensures that the design remains safe, compliant, and cost-effective.

4. PERMIT PHASE. Once all plans are approved, secure the necessary permits from the proper offices. Begin with the locational clearance from the zoning department to verify that your lot is correctly classified for its intended use. Afterward, secure the building permit, which includes fire clearance from the local BFP. Do not start construction without an approved permit to avoid penalties and ensure that your structure complies with building regulations. Electrical connection cannot be issued without an approved occupancy or building permit. Once construction is completed, secure an occupancy permit before the building is used.

5. CONSTRUCTION PHASE. It is often advisable to hire independent contractors for construction to maintain a healthy check and balance between design and ex*****on. Designers can also be engaged under a separate contract to act as project consultants, ensuring that materials and construction methods follow the approved plans. Ensure regular site supervision by licensed professionals and proper documentation through progress reports and as-built plans. Be cautious of offers for free design, as the cost is usually embedded elsewhere.

6. TURNOVER AND COMPLIANCE. After construction, make sure that as-built drawings, warranties, and maintenance manuals are properly turned over to the owner. This ensures accountability, safety, and easier future maintenance of the structure.

AGM ENGINEERING SERVICES provides complete architectural and engineering design solutions, in partnership with a trusted local construction firm. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism in everything we do.

Do it right; hire professionals.

03/10/2025

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake put it to the test. Our designs stood strong. 🙏🏻💪🏻

At Casa Verde Cliff Resort & Spa, the safety and well-being of our guests and staff remains our top priority. Following the recent earthquake, we are relieved to announce that everyone is safe, and no injuries have been reported.

In accordance with our safety protocols, a comprehensive inspection of our facilities was immediately conducted. We are pleased to share that the resort remains structurally sound, secure, and fully operational. We extend our appreciation to our team for their swift and professional response during this incident.

While we are grateful for the safety of our community within the resort, our thoughts are with the families and communities in Northern Cebu who have been affected by this incident. We stand with you in this challenging time—stay safe, stay strong.

01/10/2025

Looking at it, since a lot of people I know are sharing this. I think the actual column -- the smaller one -- seem adequate to carry its own loads. It also seems that there aren’t any major loads being supported above. The concrete cladding concept just looks a bit unusual. I believe this has more to do with the architectural vision they wanted to achieve -- a concrete finish. It also serves a practical purpose, as it helps conceal the downspout. Instead of using typical cladding, they designed it to make the columns appear larger, when in fact, it’s just a wall enclosing the actual column.

From my perspective, if the columns are only carrying the short facade and its own weight, you don’t really need very large sections. Since architectural elements aren’t designed to resist earthquakes, it’s expected that they would sustain damage. Overall, given the severity of the circumstances, I think this is justifiable.

Edit: As someone pointed out in the comments, it's called a FALSE COLUMN CLADDING.

Disclaimer: I am in no way connected to the contractor, nor am I involved in any part of the project. I’m simply offering a possible way of looking at this from a different perspective, since many of the people who shared this immediately cried corruption. Likely influenced by the recent flood control issues and the public’s awareness of substandard materials and poor workmanship.

23/09/2025

Old facade VS proposed design

29/08/2025

Building Resilience: Why Every New Development Should Have a Stormwater Detention Level

Disclaimer: Sharing this as a personal thought piece, not as an official policy and is meant to spark conversation on urban resilience.

Flooding is no longer just a seasonal nuisance in our cities—it’s a persistent crisis. Every time torrential rains hit, drainage systems overflow, roads are inundated, and communities suffer. Government agencies like DPWH are working to upgrade flood control infrastructure, but public works alone cannot keep pace with rapid urban development.

The truth is, much of the problem comes from how our buildings are designed. Each new development replaces soil and greenery with concrete and rooftops that shed water instantly into already stressed drainage systems. Without intervention, every building we construct today is another contributor to tomorrow’s floods.

This is where the Stormwater Detention Level (SDL) comes in.

Imagine if every new building—residential towers, office complexes, malls, and even warehouses—were required to integrate an SDL: a dedicated floor or underground space for stormwater detention. These levels don’t need to be vast reservoirs; they just need to temporarily hold rainwater and release it slowly after the peak rainfall has passed. Think of them as shock absorbers for the city’s drainage network, built right into the building itself.

A simple rule can guide this: minimum detention volume per square meter of building footprint. Bigger developments, bigger responsibility. Smaller ones, lighter requirements. This levels the playing field and ensures fairness.

Of course, developers will ask: Won’t this add to our costs? And the honest answer is yes—it will. But we should look at it differently. The cost of building an SDL should be recognized as part of a company’s contribution to climate resilience and urban sustainability. If we treat this investment as qualifying under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or allow it to be deducted against tax obligations, then the financial impact becomes much lighter. In fact, it becomes a badge of honor—proof that a company is building responsibly and contributing to a flood-resilient future.

We can even go further. Local governments could fast-track permits for compliant projects or award a “Green Infrastructure Seal” for developments that go above and beyond. This way, SDLs are not just a regulatory burden, but a marketing advantage.

The alternative—continuing with business as usual—means relying solely on government flood control projects while every new building keeps adding more runoff to the system. That’s a losing battle.

Flooding is a shared problem, and it demands shared responsibility. By requiring Stormwater Detention Levels in all new developments, we’re not just fixing today’s issues—we’re building a culture of accountability where both public and private sectors are partners in resilience.

After all, the real measure of progress is not just how many buildings we put up, but how well those buildings help us live sustainably with the environment around us.

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I know BGC already applied this idea with its underground cistern — but imagine if every new building has its own Stormwater Detention Level.

Other alternative solutions are permeable sidewalks/pavements, bigger city drains, and others)

Tagging govt. agencies and LGUs:
Department of Public Works and Highways
Office of the Building Official - Cebu City
Mayor Nestor Archival
Mayor Junard Ahong Chan supporters