Makati installs 27 earthquake recording instruments in public buildings

Makati Mayor Abby Binay today said the city government has installed a total of 27 units of an earthquake recording device called accelerograph in various public buildings in Makati. 

An accelerograph is used to continuously monitor and record movements and vibrations on the ground that may cause structural damage. It promotes public safety and structural integrity by providing real-time seismic data that enables building administrators to determine the need for evacuation and establishment of building security measures.

The mayor said the city government installed the said equipment in buildings located in earthquake-vulnerable areas, including those traversed by the West Valley Fault and liquefaction-prone barangays.

 
"We have prioritized our schools and facilities located in high-risk areas for the installation of accelerographs as part of continuing efforts to build our resilience to disasters. We want to ensure the safety and well-being of our Proud Makatizens, including students in our public schools and city government workers,” Mayor Abby said.

The 27 units of accelerograph are installed at Makati City Hall complex, five units; one each at Fort Bonifacio Elementary and High School; East Rembo Health Center, one; University of Makati, five; Ospital ng Makati, one; two at Comembo Elementary School; three at East Rembo Elementary School; three at Rizal Elementary School; and one each at Bangkal Elementary School, San Isidro National High School, San Antonio Village Elementary School, Maximo Estrella Elementary School, and Jose Magsaysay Elementary School. 

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The mayor also urged owners and administrators of private buildings in Makati to install earthquake recording instruments, which is required by the national government for buildings over 50 meters high, including high-rise buildings, both government and private-owned.

“The recent strong earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey should be a wake-up call to everyone. We must heed the dire warnings of experts and brace ourselves for the projected 7.5 magnitude earthquake that can occur anytime with the West Valley Fault already ripe for movement,” Mayor Abby said.

Based on data provided by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) of Makati, a total of 144 buildings in the city have complied with the requirement to install appropriate earthquake recording instruments (ERI).

Under the Guidelines and Implementing Rules on Earthquake Recording Instrumentation for Buildings approved by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as part of the IRR of the National Building Code, all existing buildings and structures above 50 meters in height and commercial buildings with an occupancy of at least 1,000 persons or have a gross floor area of at least 10,000 square meters, are mandated to install ERI with the specifications prescribed by law.  

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Government buildings, including provincial, municipal or city halls and buildings, hospitals, and schools, are also covered by the said directive.

Meanwhile, the OBO to date has issued a Certificate of Structural Stability to a total of 94 buildings in the city as of end-December 2022.

The Certificate of Structural Stability is a mandatory requirement for medium and high-rise buildings over 15 years in existence nationwide.

Currently, Makati has 1,106 low-rise buildings, 551 medium-rise buildings, and 200 high-rise buildings. There are 27 ongoing high-rise projects being closely monitored by the OBO for compliace with the National Building Code, Philippine Green Building Code, and other pertinent laws.