No Kidding!

There is a lot of work to be done in the Philippines to make it a functional nation. Many of these things are very obvious. Hence the title of this article, "No Kidding!"

First a rather astute observation from the Office of Civil Defense. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno says the building code must be strictly implemented. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243449

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno reiterated his call for a more stringent enforcement of the National Building Code and the cessation of construction in prohibited areas of the country, to greatly enhance the Philippines' earthquake preparedness.

In a statement Wednesday, Nepomuceno said these steps are crucial in mitigating the impact of the "Big One" or the anticipated 7.2 magnitude that could devastate Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, potentially resulting in 30,000 to 50,000 fatalities.

“We have sufficient laws in place regarding the Building Code, but the challenge lies in their implementation,” Nepomuceno said.

He also stressed the importance of avoiding construction works in prohibited or restricted areas which have been identified as vulnerable to hazards based on scientific assessments.

The OCD chief also highlighted that while safety tips and earthquake drills are vital for promoting disaster resilience, its effectiveness diminishes if the structures in which people reside are inadequately built.

“The ‘duck, cover, and hold’ exercise is important, but we must also adopt proactive measures,” he said, noting that this approach is reactive. "We need to ensure that our buildings and facilities can withstand significant earthquakes.”

The OCD chief earlier expressed concern that the Philippines is currently not adequately prepared for the "Big One."

He pointed out that the West Valley Fault, which has not experienced a major earthquake since 1658 -- 366 years ago -- is due for movement.

“The West Valley Fault system is just one of six active fault systems in the country,” he warned.

Buildings need to be able to withstand earthquakes? No kidding! But we all know structures in the Philippines are plagued with substandard materials. He says the challenge lies in implementing the building code but really the challenge is making anyone care enough to implement the code. Without a will there is no way. 

The second moment of clarity is from the DepEd and National Electrification Administration who both say it is imperative schools are hooked up to the electric grid. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243443

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday partnered with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to electrify last mile schools in the country.

In a speech, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the urgency to secure the partnership to ensure the learner’s welfare amid the Marcos administration’s electrification programs for off-grid schools.

“Now power is a basic (need), if we don’t have power, we are nothing. That’s why what we are granting today is not just electricity, not just light, but we are giving hope to our fellow countrymen,” he said ahead of the signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) with NEA.

Angara earlier said there are around 1,500 public schools that still need access to electricity.

Most of these schools are in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the provinces of North Cotabato, Palawan, Cebu, Zamboanga del Sur, and Negros Oriental.

Under the MOA, the DepEd will release funds from its electrification of off-grid schools project, while NEA will design solar power systems to be procured considering parameters and specifications needed for last mile schools.

The DepEd has around PHP1.295 billion in funds for the electrification project, particularly for the purchase and installation of solar power systems.

For his part, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said electrifying off-grid public schools is a “minimum” requirement to ensure modernized quality education.

“The digital age has introduced modern ways of learning and teaching which are heavily reliant on access to electricity. Our schools ideally must have electricity for access to modern teaching tools like the internet,” he said in a separate speech.

“It is, however, obvious that not all public schools, particularly our last mile schools, have the same access to electricity. This is a disservice to our learners and hardworking teachers,” he added.

Energy Secretary Rafael Popo Lotilla, who witnessed the MOA signing, expressed full support for the administration’s interagency partnerships.

“The signing of this agreement is the very demonstration of our shared resolve to illuminate every classroom, help every teacher, and unlock the full potential of our learners,” he said.

Lotilla, however, said the country needs around PHP85 billion to PHP100 billion funds to achieve the administration’s electrification targets by 2028, benefitting not only the household levels but also schools.

“But as of this, the average budget has only been PHP2 (billion) to PHP3 billion a year, and therefore, we have a long way to go. So we are looking at ways and means to achieve the total electrification goal,” he said.

Power is a basic need in the Year of Our Lord 2025? No kidding! It is rather sad that there are communities which are not connected to the grid at this late date. Even so children have been learning for millennia without relying on electricity. There is a bigger problem at hand if lack of electricity is holding back Filipino students.