MANILA, Philippines — With the looming threat of a major earthquake, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has revealed that more than 21,000 public buildings across the country have been recommended for retrofitting to ensure their resilience against seismic activity. 

Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral said in a recent Palace briefing, it has already assessed the upgrading of these infrastructures to meet international earthquake safety standards.

“We have assessed over 21,000 public buildings, including schools and health facilities, and many of these are being recommended for retrofitting to withstand major earthquakes,” Cabral said. 

Retro-fitting, she explained, involves strengthening structures to comply with global earthquake safety standards, crucial in safeguarding lives and property in the event of the so-called “Big One.”

Experts warn that if a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, known as “The Big One,” hits the National Capital Region and nearby areas, more than 50,000 people could die, and at least 12 percent of homes could be seriously damaged.

The DPWH’s retrofitting efforts go beyond buildings to include bridges and other critical infrastructure, particularly in Metro Manila, which plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. 

Cabral assured that the department is moving forward with assessments, repairs, said retrofitting across the country as part of an ongoing program aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness.

“In Metro Manila, we are prioritizing bridges due to their importance in the National Capital Region’s economic stability,” Cabral said. 

“This is not just about addressing immediate threats but ensuring long-term resilience for all of our public infrastructure,” she added.

The department’s nationwide assessment also covers national roads and bridges, with regional directors tasked with evaluating their structural integrity annually. Based on these evaluations, necessary upgrades, repairs, or replacements will be programmed.

Cabral acknowledged that while she could not immediately disclose the exact budget for these retrofitting efforts, the department will make the funding details available upon request.

In addition to public buildings, the DPWH has extended technical support to other agencies, such as the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), to assess the earthquake readiness of the MRT and LRT systems. 

Although the LRTA manages the railways, Cabral assured that the DPWH is ready to assist with structural assessments whenever necessary.