Senator Francis Tolentino on Sunday, February 12 reiterated his call for a review of the country’s National Building Code in anticipation of the so-called the ‘The Big One’ amid the deadly earthquake that recently hit Turkey and Syria.
Tolentino said that strengthening the existing provisions enshrined in the Building Code is already long overdue, stressing the need to ensure the structural integrity of all establishments in the country, and their resiliency should a destructive earthquake strike Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“One of the lessons learned (from the Turkey, Syria earthquake is how to strengthen out Building Code,” Tolentino said in an interview over Radio DZBB.
“I think it’s time to review out Building Code, especially in areas where there are fault lines),” the senator said.
One good lesson the government should learn from Turkey and Syria’s experience is to periodically check the structural integrity of all residential and business establishments.
Based on the assessment conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2004, many structures in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces would not able to withstand a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
Experts believe the tremor can originate from the Marikina Valley Fault System, particularly the West Valley fault line.
Tolentino also said it is necessary to heighten the involvement of the private sector in earthquake and disaster preparedness programs.
The lawmaker also stressed the importance of further raising the level of disaster preparedness not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country.
He noted many provinces—like in Abra and Davao region—were also jolted by strong earthquakes during the previous months.