Building homes in the Philippines requires meticulous planning and adherence to established standards to ensure safety and resilience, especially given the country's susceptibility to natural disasters.

Foundation and Site Selection

A strong and well-planned foundation is the backbone of any structure, ensuring its stability and longevity. The National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) stresses the importance of constructing foundations on solid, stable ground, away from areas prone to soil erosion, landslides, and flooding. Building on loose or waterlogged soil increases the risk of foundation failure, which can lead to cracks, tilting, or even collapse during natural disasters. For instance, in coastal areas or near riverbanks, engineers often recommend deep foundation systems like piles or caissons to anchor structures into more stable soil layers beneath the surface. In seismic-prone regions, such as Metro Manila, where the West Valley Fault runs through, reinforced concrete foundations and flexible base isolation techniques are crucial to minimize damage from earthquakes (Department of Public Works and Highways, n.d.).

Structural Integrity

Ensuring a building’s structural integrity is vital in protecting it from environmental forces such as typhoons, earthquakes, and extreme heat. The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) sets guidelines for designing buildings that can withstand these hazards. Structural components such as columns, beams, and load-bearing walls must be constructed with materials that meet strict quality standards to ensure they can support the structure’s weight and resist external pressures. For example, reinforced concrete with steel rebar reinforcement is commonly used in high-rise buildings to provide additional strength against strong winds and seismic activity. Additionally, bracing techniques, such as cross-bracing and shear walls, are applied to prevent buildings from swaying excessively during earthquakes. A practical application of these principles can be seen in the construction of earthquake-resistant schools and hospitals in Mindanao, where structures are designed with flexible joints and energy-absorbing materials to reduce the impact of seismic tremors (CDO Home Builder, 2023).

Roof Construction

Roofs serve as the first line of defense against heavy rains, strong winds, and intense sunlight. Poorly secured roofs are at risk of being torn off during typhoons, leaving homes vulnerable to water damage and structural weakening. The NSCP provides guidelines on securely attaching roof structures to the building’s main framework using reinforced trusses, hurricane straps, and metal fasteners. One effective strategy is using hip roofs instead of gable roofs, as they are more aerodynamic and can withstand stronger winds. For instance, after the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, many reconstruction efforts in Tacloban incorporated wind-resistant roofing designs with reinforced connections and sloped angles to reduce wind pressure on the structure (CDO Home Builder, 2023).

Material Quality

Using high-quality construction materials is fundamental to ensuring a building’s safety, durability, and longevity. The National Building Code mandates that materials such as cement, steel, and wood must meet specific industry standards before being used in construction. For example, substandard concrete mixtures with excessive sand content can lead to weak and brittle structures that are prone to cracking. Similarly, low-quality steel reinforcement bars that do not pass tensile strength tests can compromise a building’s load-bearing capacity. A case in point is the collapse of poorly constructed residential buildings in Cebu during past earthquakes, where investigations revealed the use of substandard concrete blocks and inadequate steel reinforcements. To prevent such incidents, reputable suppliers and third-party material testing should always be prioritized in construction projects (Department of Public Works and Highways, n.d.).

Learning from Past Incidents

The 1999 Cherry Hills subdivision landslide in Antipolo serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor construction planning and neglecting geohazard assessments. The subdivision was built on unstable ground, and when heavy rains from Typhoon Ising saturated the soil, a massive landslide buried over 300 houses and caused the tragic deaths of nearly 60 residents. Investigations revealed that the area was highly prone to landslides due to weak soil composition, and despite warning signs such as ground cracks and minor soil movement, no preventive measures were taken by developers and local authorities. This disaster highlights the critical importance of conducting thorough soil tests, ensuring proper drainage systems, and following geohazard risk assessments before any construction begins. Developers today have access to modern tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and ground-penetrating radar, which can help identify potential risks before construction, reducing the likelihood of similar tragedies (PGATECH, n.d.).

By learning from past mistakes and implementing strict adherence to building codes, construction projects in the Philippines can become more resilient against natural disasters, ensuring the safety of homeowners and communities for generations to come.

Call to Action

At ITC CORP., we are committed to constructing homes that prioritize safety and resilience. By integrating these best practices and adhering to national standards, we aim to build communities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by natural disasters. For more information on our projects and how we can assist you in building a secure home, please visit our website or contact us directly.

References

Department of Public Works and Highways. (n.d.). National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096). Retrieved from https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/files/nbc/PD.pdf

CDO Home Builder. (2023). Construction Structural Requirements in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.cdohomebuilder.com/post/construction-structural-requirements-in-the-philippines

PGATECH. (n.d.). The Cherry Hills Landslide Tragedy. Retrieved from https://www.pgatech.com.ph/storage/pdf/The%20Cherry%20Hills%20Landslide%20Tragedy.PDF

Building Safe and Resilient Home in the Philippines Guide to Secure Construction: