Duterte forms Metro Manila quake resiliency body

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has signed Executive Order 52 creating the Program Management Office (PMO) for Earthquake Resiliency of the Greater Metro Manila Area in a bid to coordinate all government efforts in preparing for a huge quake in the metropolis.

The order, signed on May 8, provides that the PMO will be the lead body that will be responsible for earthquake preparedness, mitigation and resiliency measures.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Office of Civil Defense shall take care of post-earthquake operations.

The new office is tasked to undertake efforts to fast-track the implementation of interventions that would reduce the impact of a high-magnitude quake, formulate and operationalize a quake resiliency plan for the greater Metro Manila area, ensure the availability and adequacy of lifelines that can be mobilized after a quake and ensure the resiliency of critical infrastructure.

It shall also review, audit, monitor and provide feedback on the implementation of quake resiliency plans and facilitate the development and conduct of advocacy and communication programs, drills, and exercises to promote earthquake awareness and resiliency.

Duterte’s order read that government agencies must ensure the resiliency of all public infrastructure in the region.

Local government units are tasked to ensure the resiliency of private infrastructure and their compliance with the building code.

“Agencies as well as private entities are highly encouraged to go beyond the minimum standards set in the building code to ensure that all future infrastructures are fully earthquake resilient and compliant with international earthquake-resistant designs and standards,” the EO read.

The West Valley Fault, which cuts across various cities in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, may be ripe for a strong quake. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the fault moves every 400 to 600 years. It last moved in 1658 or 360 years ago.