The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently met with the country’s building officials in a seminar-workshop aimed at refreshing and updating professionals’ knowledge on the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP).
Experts in NBCP administration and implementation attended the event organized by the DPWH – National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Building Officials, Inc. (PABO) held in Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu from October 17 to 21, 2022.
DPWH – NBCDO Executive Director Atty. Johnson V. Domingo opened the seminar-workshop, which was the first ever face-to-face event conducted by the DPWH and building officials in years since the onset of the coronavirus health crisis.
Participants from various government agencies and private institutions had the chance to review their technical know-how on NBCP including its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) and other referral codes.
Topics discussed at the five (5)-day seminar-workshop included the overview of the Philippine Green Building Code; Land Use, Zoning and Cultural Heritage; in Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law’s Regulations for Permitting; Earthquake and Earthquake Preparedness; as well as regulations on civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and sanitation and plumbing.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, in his message delivered Atty. Domingo, lauded both the event’s organizers and participants for their ability to stay ahead of the ever-changing demands in building construction brought upon by factors such as technological advancements, shift on design and construction practices, rapid urbanization, and continuous growth of mega-cities as seen through the boom in high-rise buildings and structures.
Secretary Bonoan also reminded the participants of their vital contribution in national development as building officials and professionals.
“In your capable hands rest the betterment of the community you serve, in no small part due to the role played by your respective offices in ensuring that buildings and structures conform to the national and local standards set forth in the laws, rules and regulations observed in your respective jurisdictions,” Secretary Bonoan said through a speech read by the by DPWH-NBCDO Executive Director.
The NBCP, which is also known as Presidential Decree No. 1096, is a measure issued by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos on February 19, 1977 to ensure that all buildings and structures of both the public and private sector have a framework of minimum standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site, design quality of materials, construction, use, occupancy, and maintenance.
