The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has approved a resolution adopting the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Infrastructure Audit Manual, which standardizes the assessment of the structural integrity of public and private facilities across the country.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the initiative reinforces the importance of disaster preparedness, especially in light of Metro Manila’s high vulnerability to strong earthquakes.
“We all know that earthquakes have been occurring one after another in the Philippines,” Artes said. “And one of the most vulnerable areas is Metro Manila. In fact, there’s a JICA study showing that if the ‘Big One’ struck, it would be catastrophic—many will die, many will be injured, and many infrastructures will collapse,” he warned.
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Uniform Standards for Safer Infrastructure
The resolution, approved during the Metro Manila Council meeting on November 5, ensures that all local government units (LGUs) follow a unified set of tools and procedures for evaluating structural soundness. Artes said the DILG’s Infrastructure Audit Manual provides a strong framework for mitigating disaster risks and enhancing resilience across cities and municipalities.
“This is a very good program of the DILG,” he emphasized. “It will help us conduct infrastructure audits to lessen the impact if, hopefully not, a major earthquake strikes.”
The Infrastructure Audit for Local Governance program, introduced by the DILG through a memorandum circular in July, guides LGUs in assessing the safety of both local government-owned buildings and lifeline facilities such as hospitals, schools, markets, and water utilities.
DILG Undersecretary Jon Paulo Salvahan said the audit results would serve as a basis for improving compliance with national standards and strengthening local infrastructure development plans. Engineer Lauren Rilloraza from the DILG’s Office of Project Development and Studies added that the manual harmonizes existing reporting templates from various national agencies, ensuring consistency across regions.
Preparing for the ‘Big One’
Pilot testing of the manual has already been conducted in 18 LGUs across Regions 3, 4A, and the National Capital Region—areas considered most at risk due to their proximity to the West and East Valley Faults. The program has since expanded nationwide, with the DILG training auditors and establishing regional learning hubs to support local governments in performing regular audits every three to five years.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, president of the Metro Manila Council, welcomed the adoption of the manual, calling it timely amid recent earthquakes in other regions. He said Metro Manila mayors will begin coordinating with DILG city directors to roll out the audit program in their localities.
Officials noted that the move is part of long-term preparations for the potential “Big One” earthquake scenario. Through consistent infrastructure audits and proactive coordination among agencies, the MMDA aims to minimize casualties, ensure structural safety, and strengthen Metro Manila’s readiness for large-scale seismic events.
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