The country must strengthen enforcement of the National Building Code and halt construction in high-risk zones to better prepare for earthquakes, said Office of Civil Defense administrator Ariel Nepomuceno.
During his appearance on the Bagong Pilipino podcast on Wednesday, Nepomuceno outlined critical measures needed to mitigate the devastating impact of a major earthquake, particularly the anticipated 7.2 magnitude quake expected to hit Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. He warned that such an event could result in 30,000 to 50,000 fatalities.
“We have sufficient laws in place regarding the building code, but the challenge lies in their implementation,” Nepomuceno said.
While the importance of safety drills and preparedness exercises, like the “duck, cover, and hold” routine, was acknowledged, Nepomuceno stressed that these actions are only part of the solution.
“This approach is reactive; we need to ensure that our buildings and facilities can withstand significant earthquakes,” he added.
Nepomuceno also highlighted the importance of building in safe areas. “We must avoid constructing houses in prohibited or restricted areas,” he emphasized, explaining that these areas are deemed unsuitable due to their proximity to active fault lines.
Despite these precautions, Nepomuceno has previously expressed concern that the country is still ill-prepared for the “Big One.” He noted that the West Valley Fault, which has not experienced a major quake in more than three centuries, is overdue for a shift. “The West Valley Fault is just one of six active fault systems in the country,” he warned.
To address these concerns, the Philippine government is ramping up efforts to enhance disaster resilience. These include stricter enforcement of building codes, updating the national contingency plan, and aligning with the ASEAN disaster response framework.
Additionally, nationwide earthquake drills are being conducted to further equip the public for potential emergencies.