Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno has renewed his call for the stringent enforcement of the National Building Code and the cessation of construction in prohibited areas as part of the Philippines’ efforts to enhance earthquake preparedness.
During a recent appearance on the Bagong Pilipino podcast, alongside hosts Paolo Bediones, Alex Calleja, Isabelle Daza, and Boss Toyo, Nepomuceno emphasized the urgency of these measures. “These are critical steps to mitigate the impact of the Big One,” he stated, referring to the anticipated magnitude 7.2 earthquake that could devastate Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, potentially resulting 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 noted. He highlighted that while safety tips and earthquake drills are vital for promoting disaster resilience, their effectiveness diminishes if the structures in which people reside are inadequately built.
“The ‘duck, cover, and hold’ exercise is important, but we must also adopt proactive measures,” he said. “This approach is reactive; we need to ensure that our buildings and facilities can withstand significant earthquakes.”
Nepomuceno reiterated the importance of adhering to the National Building Code. “We must avoid constructing houses in prohibited or restricted areas,” he stressed, explaining that these zones are identified based on scientific assessments of vulnerability and risk factors.
In previous interviews, Nepomuceno has expressed concern that the Philippines is currently not adequately prepared for the Big One. He pointed out that the West Valley Fault, which has not experienced a major earthquake since 1658—366 years ago—is due for movement. “The West Valley Fault system is just one of six active fault systems in the country,” he warned.
In response, the government is intensifying its preparations for potential catastrophic events. Initiatives include enforcing the building code, updating the national contingency plan, aligning with the regional disaster response framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and conducting regular nationwide earthquake drills to empower the public.
