West Valley Fault

In a significant move to enhance public safety, the Muntinlupa City government has announced a prohibition on new construction within earthquake fault zones. This decision, spearheaded by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, aims to mitigate the risks associated with the West Valley Fault and ground fissures.

During a meeting of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on June 13, Mayor Biazon emphasized the importance of the newly drafted implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for City Ordinance 2024-174, known as the Fault Zone Ordinance of 2024. “Through this ordinance, we aim to ensure the safety of our constituents from earthquake risks by prohibiting construction in areas affected by the West Valley Fault and ground fissures,” Biazon stated.

The West Valley Fault, a critical segment of the Valley Fault System, poses a significant threat due to its potential to generate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, commonly referred to as “The Big One.” This fault system runs through various cities and towns in Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna, making it imperative to regulate construction activities in these vulnerable areas.

Approved by the Muntinlupa City Council in April and signed by Mayor Biazon on April 16, Ordinance 2024-174 designates specific no-build zones based on the 2015 Valley Fault Atlas published by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). These zones are identified as areas of high seismic risk, where the construction of new buildings is strictly forbidden.

The ordinance mandates the installation of permanent fault markers to enhance awareness and preparedness among residents. Buildings, structures, and properties within these fault zones are deemed unsafe for human occupancy. The danger zones are defined as areas extending five meters on either side of the fault lines, creating a ten-meter-wide no-build zone.

Furthermore, the ordinance specifies that no new construction or renovations aimed at mitigating disaster risks will be permitted within these zones unless they comply with the National Building Code of the Philippines and other relevant laws. Property owners who choose to remain within these zones must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks and absolving the city of liability.

To support residents affected by this ordinance, the city government offers financial assistance of P30,000 to those who voluntarily vacate and demolish their properties within the danger zones. However, this assistance is only available to property owners with more than 30% of their property within the designated areas. Additionally, tax relief will no longer be granted to property owners in these zones.

Permitted uses for the earthquake fault zones are limited to non-structural activities such as parkways, playgrounds, pocket parks, and areas for vegetable gardens, flowering plants, and fruit-bearing trees. These measures are designed to ensure that these high-risk areas remain free from structures that could endanger lives during an earthquake.

For those seeking more information about fault zones, PHIVOLCS has developed “The PHIVOLCS FaultFinder” app, which provides detailed maps of fault lines across the country.

Muntinlupa City’s proactive approach to earthquake risk management sets a precedent for other regions, highlighting the importance of prioritizing public safety in the face of natural disasters.

Source: ManilaBulletin