To aid in disaster preparedness of Metro Cebu, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST – PHIVOLCS) will launch the Metro Cebu Earthquake Model (MCEM) Atlas on July 4, 2018 at the DepEd Ecotech Center, Ecotech Rd., Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.

The Atlas is a seismic ground motion hazard assessment specific for Metro Cebu, considering various earthquake sources including the Central Cebu Fault System. This Atlas may be used as reference in the seismic design of buildings and structures and as a tool for earthquake impact assessment and earthquake risk reduction efforts of national government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu, academe and the private sector.

Metro Cebu, a fast-growing and dynamic metropolis, has been identified as an earthquake-prone area. The Central Cebu Fault System transects Danao City, Compostela, Cebu City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, Naga City, Balamban and Toledo City. Large-magnitude earthquakes have occurred in the region. The MCEM Atlas aims to minimize the damages to buildings and infrastructures in case a strong earthquake hits the area.

This Atlas contains Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and Spectral Acceleration (SA) maps, which were modelled using Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) through the collaborative efforts and expertise of seismologists, geologists, engineers and researchers from DOST – PHIVOLCS in consultation with various stakeholders such as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), the regional offices of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). It was also participated by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. from the private sector, Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U) and University of San Jose – Recoletos from the academe and by representatives of Local Government Units (LGUs) that comprise Metro Cebu. Also included in the Atlas are the Seismicity Map of Metro Cebu and Vicinity, the Distribution of Active Faults in Region VII and the Metropolitan Cebu Vs30 Site Model.

Earlier this year, DOST – PHIVOLCS launched the Philippine Earthquake Model (PEM) Atlas which covers the whole Philippines, and Metro Manila.

Copies of MCEM Atlas will be distributed during the event. Stakeholders can also download the digital copy online from DOST – PHIVOLCS official website (www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph).

For information, please contact:

Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, DOST

and Officer-In-Charge, PHIVOLCS

(632) 926-2611