Strict national building code implementation eyed
The government wants a strict implementation of the National Building Code to ensure the structural integrity of buildings in Metro Manila in preparation for the “Big One.”
In a Laging Handa briefing yesterday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority spokesperson Atty. Melissa Carunungan said Metro Manila is similar to Turkey, which was hit by a strong earthquake recently, due to the existence of many buildings and the high density of the population.
“Just like Turkey, Metro Manila has many buildings and a high density of population. So, the preparation for the ‘Big One’ should be a continuing activity that includes seminars and lectures for disaster preparedness and the readiness to deploy the MMDA’s personnel,” she said.
The MMDA spokesperson said amendments to the NBC are under the discretion of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Carunungan said the MMDA agrees with the strict implementation of the NBC because it is important in preventing or lessening building collapse if there is a strong earthquake.
The underlying concern at the moment is the readiness of Metro Manila buildings in case of a strong earthquake. Carunungan said the MMDA and the DPWH are doing something to make sure of the structural integrity of the buildings.
“The implementation of the NBC, wherein the requirements are stipulated for the maintenance and designation of building officials is the DPWH. The MMDA in 2015 formulated an Earthquake census of all the barangays of the 17 local government units in the metropolis.”
In 2018, the Metro Manila Mayors Council passed a resolution urging the DPWH to continue maintaining and inspecting buildings wherein violations of the provision of the National Building Code were discovered.
As per the provision of the NBC, once the building official determined the building is already ruinous and dangerous they can order its repair or demolition as safety precautions.
The MMDA also conducted yearly regular shake drills and for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the earthquake drill is conducted on a quarterly basis.
Carunungan admitted that Metro Manila, like Turkey has many old buildings thus the MMDA through its Oplan Metro Yakal is conducting a thorough study as part of the agency’s Disaster Preparedness and Management program.
Under the program, the MMDA gave Disaster Management Skills Training to their personnel, volunteers, barangay officials, government personnel, students and private company employees.
Carunungan also disclosed Oplan Metro Yakal Plus contingency plan in case of a movement in the West Valley Fault.
Amendments to the NBC are under the discretion of the Department of Public Works and Highways.