emi

The Crisis Management Institute of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) conducted a forum entitled “The West Valley Fault: Preparing for a Big Earthquake” last 26 March 2010 at the NDCP Honor Hall in Quezon City.  The forum aimed to provide participants with an understanding of the dynamics of the West Valley Fault and the implications of a major earthquake occurring in Metro Manila.  Preparedness measures and other relevant activities prior to, during and after an earthquake were also discussed.

Mr. Jose Mari O. Daclan of EMI  discussed “Earthquake Risk Reduction in Megacities.”  The  presentation featured  the Risk-sensitive Urban Redevelopment Planning Project recently undertaken in Barangay Rizal, Makati City, Philippines.  Mr. Daclan shared  risk reduction strategies to enhance the long-term sustainability of the area.  He emphasized that the planning process facilitated by EMI in collaboration with various stakeholders could serve as a model for risk-sensitive redevelopment planning that other high-risk urban areas can adapt.

Director Renato U. Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology provided an overview of the West Valley Fault and the findings of the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study.  Prof. Alex Ramon Q. Cabanilla of the University of the Philippines’ School of Urban and Regional Planning served as the reactor for both presentations.  Prof. Cabanilla stressed the importance of awareness, the development of multi-hazard strategic plans, and cooperative and sustained action in reducing disaster risk in Metro Manila.