LGUs should revisit disaster risk reduction and management plans after Turkey quake

This refers to the Inquirer editorial “Getting ready for the ‘Big One’” (2/16/23). I agree that “amending provisions of the building code was ‘long overdue,’ as it was crucial to ensure the structural integrity of establishments to minimize the loss of life and damage to property should a devastating quake hit, particularly in Metro Manila where most high-rise buildings are located.”

Aside from introducing amendments to the National Building Code, I suggest that local government units (LGUs) should revisit their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) plans and include the integration of an education program through periodic seminars and workshops regarding earthquake mitigation and response strategies, emergency planning, sheltering and evacuation protocols, methods for addressing structural and nonstructural risks or hazards in houses, buildings, schools, and the like, and the conduct of periodic earthquake and safety drills. The seminars and workshops shall be attended by residents of barangays and employees of public and private establishments which include but not limited to government agencies, public and private schools, business stores and shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants. If I may suggest, LGUs’ DRRM offices, on top of their usual functions, should also do the following tasks: facilitate the periodic earthquake and safety drills; identify problems, issues, and concerns in drill implementation; submit a drill performance report to the Office of the Civil Defense, Office of the Mayor, and to the City Council in aid of legislation; and serve as a conduit or operational bridge between and among the residents, students, parents, employees of public and private establishments, such that even beyond participating in earthquake drills, the greater community remains engaged and empowered by the earthquake education program and other risk reduction measures of the LGUs.

According to a study conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (2004), a 7.2-magnitude earthquake tagged as the “Big One” in the West Valley Fault, which is ripe for movement, could kill up to 34,000 people and possibly injure 100,000 others due to collapsed buildings in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reports that this West Valley Fault extends to 129.47 kilometers from Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan, passing through San Jose del Monte City, and Norzagaray in Bulacan then traverses cities in Metro Manila including Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Muntinlupa.

Marikina City councilor Renato Magtubo filed a proposed ordinance known and cited as Marikina City Earthquake Preparedness Ordinance of 2023, which aims to increase the level of preparedness of the citizens and establishments about earthquakes, reduce the risk of injury and death through the institutionalization of an earthquake awareness and safety drills program. Magtubo said that the ordinance mandates the Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO) in consultation with relevant local and national government offices and/or agencies to develop and regularly initiate an earthquake awareness and safety drills program aimed at enhancing the preparedness of residents and establishments operating in the city. Such a program shall form part of the MCDRRMO annual plan and budget.

The future can never be foretold, as Shakespeare said. But the government, especially LGUs can take steps to anticipate, reduce, or avoid damage, injuries, or loss of life by increasing the level of awareness and enhancing the capacity of the constituents on the threats and impacts of earthquakes.

REGINALD B. TAMAYO,

Marikina City