Last week, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Abra and the Ilocos provinces, a quake that was felt as far south as Metro Manila and Laguna province.
While many Lagunenses had the scare of their lives, no casualties or damages to infrastructure were reported.
However, this earthquake – the strongest the country has experienced in recent history – has had some concerned about the safety of many residents and workers in this province.
Images of buildings and houses that were damaged by the earthquake have forced experts to revive one unpalatable fact: Lagunenses are in danger of a similar scenario.
The West Valley Fault line, which runs through eastern Metro Manila, also runs through the province’s western sector, ending at Calamba City.
This makes Laguna especially vulnerable to the feared “Big One” – a magnitude 7 or higher quake – that, in theory, could cause widespread death and destruction at the National Capital Region.
What’s more concerning is that the West Valley Fault line runs along the first five cities of Laguna – San Pedro, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba.
All these cities have become commercial, industrial and residential hubs which contribute to the overall economic growth not only in Laguna province but also in the country.
And with the local government units in these cities still pushing for more investment, the trend is that more industrial complexes and more subdivisions will be built in the coming years.
In all the rush to provide more employment opportunities, ensuring that the structures we built will be safe for those who will occupy them could take a step back.
Last week’s earthquake may once again force LGUs in Laguna province to once again reexamine buildings in their areas and enforce stricter building regulations.
The challenge is now on them to ensure that this will not be another “ningas kugon” that will be set back again and forgotten – God forbid, until the next tremor comes along.