New measure seeks buildings integrity
It seeks to provide more effective regulation of planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance of all public and private buildings and structures promoting building resilience against natural and man-made calamities
Citing the devastating impact of recurring natural disasters, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is seeking more effective safeguards and standards in building structures through his proposed Philippine Building Act of 2022
In that particular measure, Go expressed the need to provide more effective regulation of planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance of all public and private buildings and structures in the country.
In an ambush interview after attending the “Kasalang Bayan” in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Go shared that he introduced Senate Bill 1181 to push for a stronger whole-of-nation approach in dealing with disasters in the country.
The proposed measure seeks to amend Presidential Decree 1096, known as the National Building Code of the Philippines, to ensure that all buildings and structures are built according to the principle of “building back better.”
“It seeks to provide more effective regulation of planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance of all public and private buildings and structures promoting building resilience against natural and man-made calamities,” he said.
The senator pointed out that the National Building Code was enacted in 1977, making it long overdue for an update to make sure it remains relevant to the changing times. Go also mentioned the recent earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, killing more than 41,000 individuals as of this writing.
Go emphasized the need to prioritize the lives, safety, and health of all Filipinos when constructing buildings and other structures.
If the measure is passed into law, the National Building Official will be primarily responsible for its execution, administration and enforcement, while a Building Regulations and Standards Council will be established to assist the NBO in reviewing and recommending rules and regulations and reference standards to accomplish the objectives of the proposed law.
Meanwhile, the senator reiterated the significance of investing more in the Philippines’ public health sector as he personally witnessed the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Malvar, Batangas last Wednesday, 15 February.
In his speech, Go recognized the local officials of Malvar, including Mayor Cristeta Reyes, Vice Mayor Alberto Lat, and Congresswoman Maitet Collantes, among others, and the Department of Health for their collective efforts in making certain that the Super Health Center in the town is finally being constructed.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has been instrumental in making certain that necessary funds are allocated under the 2022 Health Facilities Enhancement Program for the construction of some 307 Super Health Centers.
He was likewise successful in pushing for additional funds under the 2023 budget to support the construction of 322 SHCs in other parts of the country.