The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), has called on the Senate to pass the proposed Philippine Building Act (PBA) to enhance building safety and resilience.
The PBA aims to update the country’s building standards, replacing the outdated National Building Code of the Philippines from 1977. The proposed law would integrate new technical standards and guidelines, ensuring that public and private buildings are better equipped to handle natural hazards.
NAST PHL, which operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), advises on scientific matters and recognizes achievements in research and development. The agency emphasizes that passing the PBA would improve public safety, reduce risks from disasters, and modernize construction regulations to protect lives and property.
The bill combines different ideas from several Senate proposals (Senate Bills 1181, 1467, and 1970) and a House of Representatives proposal (House Bill 8500, which was approved in 2023) into a single law. This makes the process of updating the country’s building rules more efficient and ensures that all the important points from these proposals are included in the final law.
NAST PHL highlighted that the PBA will bring science-based innovations and resilience-building measures, contributing to better disaster preparedness. The act would promote accountability among stakeholders and ensure that modern building practices are followed across the country. This legislative step is seen as crucial for creating safer and more sustainable communities.