Sitting on fault line: DOST-FNRI building to relocate to safer ground

The Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) is planning to build a new facility at the DOST South Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City, to promote a safer and more innovative future.

The DOST-FNRI said its current building is located in the DOST North Complex and is "transected" by the West Valley Fault.

“Sinuyod namin ang iba't ibang lugar dito, in particular sa DOST compound. Nakita namin na ang [FNRI] ay nakatayo on top of the West Valley Fault. (When we look at different places here in the DOST compound.  We saw that the (FNRI) is standing on top of the West Valley Fault)," DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. told reporters during the groundbreaking ceremony at the DOST South Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City on Jan. 8.

According to Phivolcs, the 90-kilometer West Valley Fault, which runs through several provinces and Metro Manila, poses a significant earthquake risk due to its movement occurring every 400 to 600 years on average.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/6/consecutive-earthquakes-not-prelude-to-the-big-one-phivolcs-1

Despite the danger, the DOST said it will continue to persevere and prepare for the risks in order to "fulfill its mission of providing accurate data, correct information, and innovative technologies in food and nutrition."

The DOST-FNRI added that this will be the beginning of constructing a modern, functional, safer, earthquake-resistant, and green building.

DOST-FNRI Director Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, meanwhile, expressed relief at the move, saying, "Our fear was somewhat alleviated because we knew that after three years, we might have a building."

Solidum also said that the relocation is not only for "government organizations but also for private buildings or houses."

"In fact, in our work at first, even schools that will pass through the West Valley Fault were given guidance not to continue construction or plans so that the lives of those who use the building will not be in danger," he said.

It is anticipated that the DOST-FNRI's new building, which will require a P2 billion budget, will be finished in three to five years.