Review of PH building code pushed

An architect has pushed for a review of the country’s laws on buildings and structures in the wake of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” which cut a path of destruction in the Visayas region and the earthquake which flattened parts of Bohol province.

According to Felino Palafox Jr., the building code must now take into consideration the structure’s capability to withstand disasters.

In a seminar of the United Architects of the Philippines in Quezon City, the well-known architect stressed the importance of revising the country’s building and structural codes in the aftermath of Yolanda and the Bohol quake.

“I have met and talked to (Department of Public Works and Highways) Secretary (Rogelio) Singson about reviewing the laws and he is open to it,” Palafox said.

The country has laws covering the design and construction of buildings and other structures. These are the National Building Code and National Structural Code.

In particular, Palafox wanted the two laws to take into consideration certain factors in disasters such as wind speed of weather disturbances.

He said some buildings in Tacloban City were built to withstand only up to 200-kph strong winds.

“On the Pacific Ocean side, I think buildings are required to withstand up to 250 kph. So what happens if you have 320-kph winds?” he asked.

He said that the depth of the most severe flooding in any area should also be considered in amending building regulations.