TAGUIG CITY — The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), through its Executive Council and the Engineering Sciences and Technology Division, has expressed optimism and urgency for the Senate of the Philippines to pass the proposed Philippine Building Act (PBA) during the current 3rd Regular Session of the 19th Congress.
The Act, which aims to increase the resilience of buildings that are newly proposed or existing against multiple hazards, will consolidate Senate Bills 1181, 1467, and 1970, and HBT 8500 as approved last year by the House of Representatives.
The proposed PBA will replace Presidential Decree No. 1096 of 1977 known as the “National Building Code of the Philippines”, updating technical standards and administrative regulations that are essential for all public and private buildings across the country.
NAST PHL stresses that passing the PBA is essential to enhance public safety, reduce hazard-related risks, and establish modern construction standards that protect lives and properties.
According to the released statement, the proposed PBA will introduce science-informed assessments, innovations, and resilience-building measures crucial for the nation’s disaster risk reduction and management, safeguarding community well-being.
The PBA will also mitigate negative impacts, promote stakeholder accountability, and enforce related rights and obligations. This will mark a significant step forward for safer and more sustainable built environments. (AANavarro/NAST PHL)
