THE SPECTER of a major earthquake is a recurrent concern that brings into sharp focus Western Visayas’ preparedness. This paper’s headline on Thursday asked: Is Region 6 ready for the “big one”?
Recent statements by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have highlighted a worrying gap between our disaster response capabilities and the structural integrity of our infrastructure. The question is not if, but when, the next significant seismic event will strike, underscoring an urgent need for a comprehensive review and reinforcement of our earthquake preparedness strategies.
Despite laudable efforts in regular earthquake drills and the establishment of response mechanisms across local government units (LGUs), there is a pressing concern about the robustness of our buildings, particularly those away from the highly urbanized environs of Iloilo City and Bacolod City. The reminder of the 1948 “Lady Caycay” earthquake, which wrought extensive damage on Panay Island, should be enough to galvanize action towards strengthening our architectural fortitude.
The current approach, while well-intentioned, remains predominantly reactive. We prepare to respond rather than prevent. OCD’s call for LGUs to inspect and assess the structural soundness of buildings, especially older structures, is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be part of a broader, more systematic initiative. There is a need to implement and enforce updated building codes that reflect the latest in seismic resilience technologies and architectural practices. Also, these standards should be uniformly applied not just in urban centers but across all municipalities, where older buildings and possibly overlooked structural vulnerabilities abound.
A proactive review should not only focus on private and residential buildings but also on public infrastructures such as schools, hospitals, and government buildings, which play vital roles during and after disasters. The enhancement of building codes and the strict enforcement of these standards cannot be overemphasized. This process should involve not only engineers and architects but also local officials, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure that the policies are practical, promoting community-wide adoption and adherence.
Additionally, there is an overarching need for public awareness and education campaigns that can equip citizens with knowledge and skills to effectively reduce risks and manage themselves and their families in the event of earthquakes. Awareness programs can demystify technical aspects of earthquake resilience and encourage community involvement in safety initiatives, thereby fostering a culture of preparedness.
The lessons from past disasters must inform our future actions. The memory of the “Lady Caycay” earthquake — a calamity that reshaped our landscape and our approach to disaster response — should be an impetus for a renewed commitment to making Region 6 a model of earthquake readiness. By doing so, we protect our most valuable asset — the people of Western Visayas.
