DILG to launch infra audit tool to assess structural integrity of buildings vs “Big One”

 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to launch an infrastructure audit tool which will assess the structural integrity of buildings in preparation for the possibility of a large-magnitude earthquake or the “Big One” in the metropolis and nearby areas.

DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan said the Harmonized Infrastructure Audit tool will be utilized to ensure the resilience of buildings in the country against earthquakes.

“This tool will establish a national standard for assessing local public infrastructures, particularly their vulnerability to high-magnitude earthquakes,” he explained. Iringan represented Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the 2nd Earthquake Preparedness Summit organized by the Office of Civil Defense on Tuesday in Quezon City.

The DILG Secretary sits as the Vice Chairperson for Disaster Preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

He said the tool, which will help LGUs identify the priority structures subject to infra audits, will be pilot-tested in the National Capital Region, Region III, and CALABARZON.

He said the Department also partnered with the academe to tap 4th-year and 5th-year engineering students to help in assessing the infrastructures.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, about 3,200 structures are along the West Valley Fault, while 12% to 13% of residential buildings are forecast to sustain heavy damage in the onslaught of the “Big One.”

During the event, the DILG also discussed its programs to enhance LGU earthquake preparedness and resilience such as Operation L!sto and the Basic Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for barangays.