DPWH seeks WB technical assistance for ‘Big One’

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) met recently with representatives of its development partner World Bank (WB) to discuss new financial and technical assistance to ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure and government buildings in earthquake high-hazard zones.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar together with Undersecretary Emil Sadain of the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) held a series of consultative meetings with the World Bank group headed by team leader Artessa Saldivar-Sali for knowledge sharing and discussions on supporting investments in the DPWH seismic reduction and resiliency program.

The meetings held last Aug. 19, 20 and 22 were also attended by Senior Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, Undersecretary Dimas Soguilon; Assistant Secretaries Eugenio Pipo Jr., Antonio Molano Jr. and Maximo Carvajal; OIC Assistant Secretary Marichu Palafox, regional and bureau directors and project directors; and representatives from support agencies.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) chief Renato Solidum Jr. gave a presentation on impact scenario and the social, economic and other aspects of risk assessment, and tools and methods that would be useful in planning program activities.

Sadain highlighted the need to work together in dealing with earthquake risk and the importance of preparedness that could mean the difference between life and death, and between property damage or catastrophic loss.

He said that in facing Mega Manila’s vulnerability to large-scale earthquake that could be generated by the impending movement of the West Valley Fault known as “The Big One,” DPWH came up with an integrated approach in addressing earthquake resiliency, with Secretary Villar creating an Earthquake Resiliency Program Management Office (ER-PMO) through Department Order No. 75 issued last July 10.