DOST – PHIVOLCS Launches Earthquake Model for Metro Cebu
Lahug, Cebu－The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST – PHIVOLCS) presented the comprehensive earthquake handbook designed to aid in disaster preparedness for Metro Cebu on July 4, 2018.
The Metro Cebu Earthquake Model (MCEM) Atlas is a reliable guideline in urban planning, disaster reduction, and seismic design of buildings.
Metro Cebu is an identified earthquake-prone area with Central Cebu Fault System cutting across a number of cities and municipalities from Danao City, Compostela, Cebu City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, Balamban, to Toledo City. Large-magnitude earthquakes also visit this region.
Photo by Lara Angeli Eviota
A compendium of maps, MCEM Atlas contains Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) maps, Spectral Acceleration (SA) maps, Seismicity Maps of Metro Cebu and Vicinity, Distribution of Active Faults in Region VII, and Metropolitan Cebu Vs30 Site Model. PGA and SA maps were modeled after the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA).
With the cooperative efforts of engineers, geologists, seismologists, and researchers, MCEM Atlas assures that it has got its bases covered.
The handbook also involved consultations with multiple stakeholders including the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
From the private sector, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. participated in the making of the project. In the academe, Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U) and University of San Jose – Recoletos (USJ-R) made contributions. Local government units (LGUs) also assisted in the project.
The MCEM Atlas aims to decrease building damage and collapse. Apart from that, it also aspires to raise awareness regarding the matter.
During the press conference which came after the launching event, DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (DRR-CC) and PHIVOLCS Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. discussed that there is continuance in the use of substandard materials in construction because the people do not know about the criteria for sturdier infrastructure.
Ongoing projects and future plans include the mapping of vulnerable areas, an earthquake model for Davao, and an app version of MCEM Atlas which may come in next year.
DOST VII Regional Director, Engr. Edilberto L. Paradela said that “An earthquake is a force of nature which is beyond the control of man… but with our God-given intelligence, we can mitigate.”
It is also notable to state that DOST – PHIVOLCS launched the Philippine Earthquake Model (PEM) Atlas back in January. This covered the entire Philippines, including Metro Manila and other provinces outside the metro.
For convenience and accessibility, a digital copy of the MCEM Atlas can be accessed and downloaded via the DOST – PHIVOLCS official website.
