The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Department of Science and Technology (Phivolcs-DOST) launched the Metro Cebu Earthquake Model Atlas last July 4, 2018.

The Atlas provides critical information in the seismic design of new buildings and infrastructures, for retrofit of existing buildings, for land-use and urban planning, for earthquake risk reduction assessment, for damage mitigation and for risk reduction.

It provides probabilistic horizontal ground accelerations along with the uncertainties likelihood of occurrence that may be generated by any known seismic sources such as active faults, trenches and area sources in and around Metro Cebu at relevant return periods in adherence to the global platform in seismic hazard and risk assessment.

The Atlas is the second earthquake model atlas formulated by Phivolcs-DOST after Metro Manila’s, in close coordination and consultation with Metro Cebu local government unit, engineering community, academe, urban planners, disaster managers, and insurance industry.

The launching was attended by Usec. Renato U. Solidum, OIC of  Phivolcs-DOST; Engr. Edilberto Paradela, Regional Director of DOST Region 7; Dir. Concepcion Ornopia of OCD 7; Baltazar Tribunalo of the Province of Cebu; Evelyn Nacario-Castro representing the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB), and Chris Estallo of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

Following the launch, Phivolcs-DOST and the MCDCB-Research, Program and Organizational Development will coordinate closely with MCDCB members and partner organizations in developing the Metro Cebu Earthquake Impact Reduction Plan that outlines and specifies action plans, roles per organization, and budget needed. This is in preparation for the foreseeable occurrence of earthquakes or probably the “BIG ONE” in Metro Cebu, as identified by the Metro Cebu Earthquake Model Atlas.

“Cebu needs to prepare and this atlas, if fully utilize by both the public and the private sector, will be a big help in preparation for any earthquake, not just the BIG ONE,” Solidum said.

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