RDC eyes changes to Phl’s bldg code

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 is now reviewing the National Building Code of 1972 after two disasters hit Cebu and Bohol provinces and other parts of the Visayas.

The RDC-7 has created a technical working group (TWG) composed of agencies with mandate relating to structural design, research and climate change. The TWG would review and make recommendations on the building code.

The agencies involved are the Department of Public Works and Highways; Department of Science and Technology; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board; Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council; National Housing Authority; Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers; Cebu Contractors’ Association.   

Damage to infrastructure and private properties caused by the Oct. 15 earthquake and Nov. 8 super typhoon has prompted the RDC Economic Development Committee to recommend the creation of the TWG, which would suggest changes on out-dated provisions of the law.

The TWG could also study what construction materials are disaster- and climate change-resilient.

Republic Act (RA) No. 6541 of 1972 provides a framework of minimum standards and requirements for all buildings and structures by guiding, regulating, and controlling their location, sitting, design, quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance including their environment, utilities, fixtures, equipment, and mechanical, electrical, and other systems and installations.

In 1977, Presidential Decree 1096, or the National Building Code of the Philippines, amended RA 6541 primarily to adhere to an up-to-date and modern technical knowledge on building design, construction, use, occupancy and maintenance, and to avail of and harness the technical expertise and professional know-how of both public and private sectors.—(FREEMAN)