Strategy for Dissemination of Practical Tools for Evaluation of Vulnerability and Safety of Houses in the Philippines

Abstract

The end goal of the projects under the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology – Japan International Cooperation Agency – Japan Science and Technology Agency – Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (PHIVOLCS-JICA-JST-SATREPS) Program on Enhancement of Earthquake and Volcano Monitoring and Effective Utilization of Disaster Mitigation Information in the Philippines is to provide rapid, reliable and usable information on earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes to the public. Component 4 of this program involves the provision of disaster mitigation information and promotion of utilization. Practical tools for the evaluation of vulnerability and safety of houses in the Philippines were developed in this component. Two tools were developed during the project; a 12-point questionnaire for self-check for earthquake safety of concrete hollow block houses in the Philippines (Tool 1) and a software program to evaluate the safety and earthquake vulnerability of houses (Tool 2). These tools aim to raise the awareness of stakeholders such as house owners, local engineers, building officials, and local government units, as well as function as an educational tool for the quick and simple evaluation of the vulnerability and safety of houses. The tools were disseminated to the specific users for enabling the effective utilization of disaster mitigation information. Various strategies were implemented for disseminating these tools: a launch activity was conducted during PHIVOLCS InfoSentro, an activity implemented by PHIVOLCS to update the public on its recent programs, projects, and activities; a copy of Tool 1 was uploaded on the PHIVOLCS website; training modules were developed; and training programs and workshops were conducted for users.