DOST: Iloilo needs stronger quake prep, not more monitoring systems

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said Iloilo does not need additional earthquake monitoring systems, emphasizing that existing facilities are sufficient to detect seismic activity in the region.

“We have enough seismograph to tell you the magnitude of the earthquake […] To know about the earthquake, PHIVOLCS will give it to you, but if it’s about intensity, it’s you (the residents) who will report about your intensity and not PHIVOLCS,” he said in an interview last week.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), an attached agency of the DOST, currently operates several seismic stations in Western Visayas for real-time earthquake monitoring.

These include manned stations in Ibajay, Aklan; Roxas City, Capiz; San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; and Dueñas, Iloilo.

Solidum stressed that rather than adding more monitoring devices, efforts should focus on strengthening earthquake preparedness and mitigation strategies.

These include building inspections, ensuring structural soundness, and retrofitting or vacating unsafe structures.

Since Iloilo is highly vulnerable to liquefaction during strong earthquakes, Solidum emphasized that structures must be built with deep foundations and sound engineering practices.

“To assure the safety of people means to assure the safety of the building,” he said.
He noted that while intensity meters can assist in assessing earthquake impact, these are not essential for everyone.

Solidum explained that people can estimate shaking intensity using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which measures the effects of ground motion based on observed damage and human experience.

Intensity refers to how strongly the shaking is felt at a specific location and the potential damage it may cause.

He also noted that shaking intensity can vary between towns even during the same seismic event.

“It is important that the disaster managers and the general public know how to estimate intensity if there is no available instrument,” he added.

Solidum encouraged establishments and business owners who can afford intensity meters to invest in them.

He also recommended that all buildings taller than four stories be equipped with earthquake recording instruments to support improved safety and disaster response.