Quake in Cebu Becomes a Catalyst for Building Code Reform
The 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces last week has rekindled a long-standing push for the Philippine Building Act (PBA). Mindanao lawmaker Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. used the disaster as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by aging regulations and outdated standards in a rapidly urbanizing nation. He urged lawmakers to expedite passage of the PBA, arguing that delays have already cost lives and will likely do so again unless action is taken.
Why the PBA Matters
The proposed Philippine Building Act seeks to overhaul the country’s building framework, much of which dates back to the 1970s. Critics say the current National Building Code, built on decades-old assumptions, is ill-suited to today’s hazards, climate realities, and urban density. The PBA envisions a comprehensive system for standardized design, location and zoning, construction materials, permits, and ongoing maintenance to bolster resilience against earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other natural threats.
Key Provisions Aimed at Real-World Safety
Among its core features is a mandatory structural review every 15 years, a provision Momo highlighted as critical to ensuring that buildings are continually assessed against current engineering practices. The bill also plans a classification system based on fire resistance, occupancy, and permitting processes, which would guide safer construction and retrofit decisions. It aims to standardize not only the technical specifications of buildings but also the processes for location planning, design, materials selection, and ongoing occupancy regulations.
The Cebu Earthquake: A Wake-Up Call
Regional officials reported damaged structures, displaced families, and concerns about the integrity of both public and private infrastructures in urban centers following the Sept. 30 tremor. The disaster has intensified scrutiny of how well the Philippines’ buildings withstand seismic events, especially as urban areas grow and climate-related hazards intensify. Momo framed the Cebu quake as a wake-up call to stop “catching up” only after disasters strike and to start aligning local and national building practices with current engineering standards and hazard maps.
Political Momentum and Challenges
The PBA has ridden a roller coaster of legislative momentum. The measure passed its third and final reading in the House during the 19th Congress but stalled in the Senate. Its refiled version aims to bridge that gap by reasserting a modernized framework for infrastructure safety across the country. Momo’s call adds political pressure, arguing that the time to act is now—not later—so Filipinos won’t pay the price for delayed reform in future disasters.
What the PBA Could Change for Filipino Communities
With standardized location and zoning guidelines, clearer design and construction standards, and routine maintenance mandates, the PBA aims to reduce structural failures during earthquakes and other calamities. A robust regulatory framework could help ensure that new buildings are designed with adequate resilience, and that existing structures are evaluated and retrofitted as needed. For families and businesses, this translates into safer roofs over heads, more reliable infrastructure, and fewer disruptions when disasters strike.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Swift Passage
As lawmakers debate, advocates insist that delay is not an option. Momo’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among engineers, urban planners, and disaster-preparedness groups that a modernized building code is essential for public safety, economic stability, and climate resilience. The Cebu experience adds a tangible narrative to the need for the PBA’s provisions on hazard maps, updated engineering standards, and mandatory structural reviews—policies designed to protect lives and livelihoods across the archipelago.
What Happens Next
If the PBA is passed and enacted, Filipinos can expect a more coherent and enforceable building regime that aligns with current risk profiles and urban realities. The path to reform, however, remains contingent on political will and coordinated action between the House and Senate, along with robust stakeholder input from engineers, builders, and local governments. The call from Rep. Momo is clear: the time to pass the Philippine Building Act is now, so communities from Cebu to Mindanao can build with greater confidence in their safety and future.
