MANILA – Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the head of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), has once again emphasized the need for a more rigorous application of the National Building Code and a halt to building projects in restricted zones across the Philippines. This push is aimed at significantly improving the nation’s readiness for earthquakes.
In his recent statement, Nepomuceno highlighted the importance of these measures in reducing the potential devastation from the so-called ‘Big One,’ a predicted 7.2 magnitude earthquake that could wreak havoc on Metro Manila and its neighboring regions, possibly leading to between 30,000 and 50,000 deaths.
Nepomuceno pointed out that while the country has adequate legislation concerning building standards, the real issue is in ensuring these laws are effectively enforced. He also underscored the necessity of steering clear of construction in areas identified as high-risk due to their vulnerability to natural disasters.
The OCD chief noted that while public education on safety measures and regular earthquake drills are essential for building disaster resilience, their impact is limited if the buildings where people live and work are not constructed to withstand seismic events.
He stressed the importance of moving beyond reactive strategies like the ‘duck, cover, and hold’ drill to more proactive approaches, ensuring that structures are built to endure major earthquakes. Nepomuceno has previously voiced concerns about the Philippines’ current level of preparedness for the ‘Big One.’
He also drew attention to the West Valley Fault, which has not seen a significant earthquake since 1658, suggesting that it is overdue for activity. Nepomuceno warned that this fault is just one of six active fault systems in the country, underscoring the ongoing threat of seismic activity.