The Role of Real Estate Owners in Disaster-Resilient Housing
Introduction
The Philippines, while rich in natural beauty and resources, is also one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Typhoons, floods, and earthquakes are not rare occurrences—they’re part of our reality. With an average of 20 typhoons entering the country yearly, and its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, natural disasters pose a continuous threat to life, property, and livelihood.
In this setting, real estate owners hold a critical role in building a safer, more resilient future. Whether you’re a developer, investor, landlord, or homeowner, your decisions today can either reduce or worsen the risks tomorrow. Here’s why and how real estate owners can be champions of disaster-resilient housing.
1. Understanding Local Hazards Is Key
First, knowledge is power. Knowing the hazards specific to your property’s location is step one. Is the area flood-prone? Is it near a fault line? LGUs and agencies like PHIVOLCS and PAGASA provide accessible hazard maps and advisories. Real estate owners must consult these before building or buying. Investing in land that is known to be high-risk without proper mitigation measures is a gamble—one that affects not just property value but lives.
2. Invest in Disaster-Resilient Design and Materials
Gone are the days when aesthetics and budget were the only considerations in construction. Now, resilience is a necessity. Owners should work with architects and engineers who understand disaster-ready design:
- Elevate structures in flood-prone areas.
- Use reinforced concrete, steel framing, and materials that can withstand strong winds and seismic activity.
- Install proper drainage systems and rainwater catchment systems.
- Opt for sloped roofing and typhoon-rated windows.
These may seem costly upfront, but they pay off by minimizing damage and ensuring faster recovery after disasters.
3. Retrofitting Older Homes and Buildings
For existing properties, retrofitting is a must—especially for homes built decades ago with minimal regard for disaster resilience. Strengthening the foundation, replacing corroded reinforcements, and upgrading roofing can go a long way. It’s also a great opportunity to align your property with updated building codes and safety standards.
4. Real Estate Developers Have a Bigger Responsibility
Developers, in particular, influence entire communities. Site planning must integrate disaster risk reduction:
- Avoid building on riverbanks, slopes, or reclaimed land without proper geotechnical assessments.
- Provide wide roads for evacuation and emergency access.
- Incorporate green infrastructure like permeable pavements and green spaces that help absorb water and reduce heat.
Developers must go beyond compliance with minimum standards and aim for sustainability and long-term safety.
5. Educating Tenants and Residents
Being disaster-resilient also involves people. Real estate owners, especially landlords and subdivision associations, should promote awareness among tenants and residents. Simple initiatives like emergency drills, proper signage, and clear evacuation plans can make a huge difference in times of crisis.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
In a country like ours, kung saan bagyo at lindol ay bahagi na ng buhay, hindi sapat na umasa lang tayo sa gobyerno o sa suwerte. Real estate owners have the power and responsibility to create safer spaces for everyone.
Kung ikaw ay may-ari ng bahay, lupa, o gusali—ang bawat desisyong gagawin mo, mula sa pagpili ng location hanggang sa disenyo at maintenance—may direktang epekto sa kaligtasan mo at ng iba.
So let’s build smart, build safe, and build for the long term. Dahil sa panahon ngayon, hindi na sapat ang maganda lang ang bahay—dapat ligtas at matibay rin ito.
see our latest blog about How Filipino Real Estate Owners Are Adapting To The Post-Pandemic Market
