The Philippines' Office of Civil Defense (OCD) recently launched a nationwide campaign to bolster earthquake preparedness in the wake of a sobering scientific study. The initiative aims to empower local governments (LGUs) and citizens alike to mitigate the catastrophic impact of future tremors.
OCD representatives fanned out across the country's 17 regions to collaborate with LGUs. Their primary mission? Promoting stricter enforcement of the Structural Code of the Philippines and preventing construction in high-risk zones.
"We're prioritizing prevention over potential disaster," declared Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, OCD administrator. "Our goal is to save lives by ensuring buildings meet safety standards and keeping people out of harm's way."
OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno (PNA file photo)
Nepomuceno emphasized the gravity of the situation. Research by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) paints a concerning picture. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake originating from the West Valley Fault System, which runs through Metro Manila, could claim a staggering 30,000 to 50,000 lives, injuring another 100,000.
The OCD chief underscored the need to move beyond standard "duck, cover, and hold" drills. He envisions a comprehensive preparedness strategy that prioritizes robust building codes and responsible land use planning.
This proactive approach signifies a crucial step towards earthquake resilience in the Philippines. By prioritizing safety measures and fostering public awareness, the OCD hopes to transform potentially devastating tremors into survivable events.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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