Reconstruction: Evolution or revolution

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

After viewing videos of the damage done by recent earthquakes in Mindanao particularly Davao province, I found myself looking at similarly constructed buildings in Metro Manila and wondered if these buildings will withstand a magnitude 6 or 7 earthquake or would they crumple at the base making their first and second floors disappear just like a couple of buildings did in Mindanao. I’m not even talking about high-rise condominiums and offices, just those 4 to 5 stories that were built back before the national building code was updated and there are a lot of them in the older parts of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay etc.

Given the fact that there are enough examples or evidence of buildings crumbling “at the foot”, it makes me wonder why some architects, builders and owners prioritize wide open views or the “open concept” instead of making big and wide footings and pillars at the base like they used to in the 30’s and 40’s. Yes square meter is expensive and businesses need to maximize their utilization of space. But whenever I see a multi-story building crumble or go down on its knees, I wonder if the owners and builders now regret their choice. We should now rethink our approach and attitude to construction not just of hotels and condominiums but especially of public schools, gymnasiums and hospitals all of which must be the last structures standing because they are often the “go to places” when natural disasters strike. We build the cheapest, weakest and therefore most dangerous school buildings.

Our conventional dependence on concrete and reformed bars are turning out to be poor choices because many contractors almost always cut costs and use workers who don’t even know the proper use, mix and application of cement, the right amount of steel bars and their placements etc. Even the commercial builders will use methods that have long been in use but not necessarily ideal or technically correct. I might be wrong but I don’t recall ever seeing a cement bag that had “Instructions” on use. If you go around and ask construction workers and builders on what is the correct mix for floors versus for pillars and beams, chances are you will get a lot of versions. The most common formula is what has been handed down through generations but not necessarily the correct one. If you ask about what is the right diameter of steel bar to use and how many, you will get as many answers as there are sizes. Yes we have a national building code, and local officials who check plans before issuing permits, but who of them actually go through the detailed plans and who checks on site? Nada or No one! They inspect before and after but not during.

So is it any surprise if school buildings and barangay halls collapse? I’m still trying to get a whistle blower to give me the details of a public school they built in Cavite that has caused him sleepless nights because the builder/contractor barely used any steel bars on the supporting structures and walls. Now that President Duterte has issued an order to the DILG and LGUs to inspect all buildings, it might be worth t for the DPWH and DILG to buy metal scanners or similar equipment that will indicate the diameter and distances of steel bars used in walls, beams and pillars of public schools, Barangay halls and hospitals.

One Barangay Captain died in Mindanao when his office crumbled on top of him. Given the human history of natural disaster and the fact that school children have died in the hundreds or thousands due to earthquakes, landslides and other natural disasters, whatever money we spend on scanners and reviewing the integrity of public schools will be an investment on saving lives not equipment. I humbly and sincerely appeal to the President, Senators and Congressmen as well as the DILG and DPWH Secretary to consider this suggestion because we should not be hit with a double tragedy of a natural disaster as well as the most painful tragedy of losing our children!

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“I want your ass in jail”

I once knew a guy in Westport, Connecticut who had a need for speed and a buzz from beer. He drove 2 wheels, 4 wheels, as long as he got to point A to point B quickly he was happy. The only spoiler to his life was that the Westport police did not take kindly to speed freaks like him so he was constantly getting tickets which meant that he constantly had to show up in court (a real court mind you) and pull out his wallet to pay what amounts to several hundred dollars a pop. This “healthy relation of “Cat & Mouse” went on for over a year. Then one bright morning as he stepped in front of the Judge for his latest weekend “oversight”, the Judge told him he had piled up an unacceptable amount of citations and fines. My friend quickly pleaded guilty and said: “It’s ok your Honor, I don’t mind paying the fine.”

The Judge looked down from where he held court and said: “No. This time, I want your ass in jail”. My friend spent 30 days in jail, could not drive and had no license for a year I think.

Using that story as a spring board, I have yet to hear of multiple traffic violators or repeat offenders being thrown in jail in the Philippines except when they commit Reckless imprudence resulting in homicide or damage to property. Over the weekend I heard an MMDA official share on radio about some drivers racking up tickets like it was a hobby to collect traffic citations. Maybe it’s time to do the 3 strikes rule in the Philippines. Three hits and you go to jail and or you lose your license.

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