Manila: Baguio Lone District Rep. Mauricio Domogan emphasized the importance of incorporating man-made disasters in the crafting of resilience plans. He highlighted the need to consider disasters caused by human actions and inactions alongside natural calamities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Domogan cited the 1990 Luzon earthquake as a significant example, where many buildings in Baguio collapsed due to inadequate compliance with safety standards and building codes. He pointed out that additional floors were added to structures like the Hyatt Hotel, Nevada Hotel, University of Baguio Commerce Building, and Hilltop Hotel beyond their original designs, which led to their collapse during the earthquake.
Domogan mentioned the recent landslide in Barangay Guisad Surong, which was worsened by the area's status as a high-risk zone with a history of landslides. He stressed the importance of adhering to designated no-build zones to prevent future tragedies.
He urged building officials to enforce construction permits, building codes, and safety requirements rigorously. Domogan also advocated for mandatory soil testing before construction to ensure that structural designs are suitable for the ground conditions.
He recalled an incident during the 1990 earthquake where a hotel along Harrison Road collapsed due to inadequate structural recommendations. A contractor had advised installing piles under the building, but cost considerations led to a decision against it, resulting in the structure's failure during the earthquake.
During his tenure as mayor in 1995, Domogan reviewed building documents and found numerous compliance issues. He emphasized that while natural disasters cannot always be prevented, man-made disasters resulting from poor planning and non-compliance are avoidable.
Domogan urged relevant offices to implement necessary measures to prevent adding to the victims of natural calamities. He also called on residents of Guisad Surong to comply with safety and evacuation orders to protect their families from further danger.
