MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, today reiterated her call for the immediate evaluation of the structural integrity of critical infrastructure in the country in light of the recent magnitude 8.9 earthquakes and subsequent tsunami that devastated Japan.

“Natural hazards are inevitable, but disasters are preventable if we make the necessary preparation. Earthquakes turn into major disasters due to unsafe structures – poorly built infrastructure, buildings in inappropriate places, inadequate design and materials specification, and shortcuts in construction,” Legarda cited.

“Inspection during the construction of both public and private infrastructure is important. The additional expense required for making structures safe from earthquakes is worth it especially if it would save thousands of precious lives,” she added.

Legarda recommended that the government must ensure that all critical infrastructure, especially schools and hospitals, are earthquake-proof through the conduct of a nationwide structural evaluation of all schools and hospitals and by retrofitting these structures to allow them to withstand destructive earthquakes.

“School authorities must act now. They must consult structural engineers and assess the vulnerability of school structures to strong tremors, and institute immediate measures to strengthen parts found weak and likely to collapse. We should likewise ensure that our homes and offices, shopping malls and public buildings are able to withstand strong earthquakes. We must ensure proper and safe construction.”

“This lesson we must accept: Prevention is cost-effective. Based on international studies, the cost of disaster-proofing a hospital or health facility is negligible when included in early design considerations. Incorporating comprehensive disaster protection from earthquake and extreme climatic events into designs from the beginning will only add 4 percent to the cost. This cost is nothing compared to the risk of destruction and death of patients and staff during a disaster, and the equally high health, economic and development impacts in the aftermath,” Legarda explained.

“The best protection against earthquakes are sound engineering practices. We must not wait for a strong tremor to revisit our construction standards, codes and practices. We must examine them now and correct any deficiencies. We must save lives now, before any major earthquake hits the country,” Legarda concluded.

By the way, Senator Loren hosted recently a sumptuous lunch of “lutong bahay” (except for the lechon de leche which was a friend’s specialty, and the crunchy and very tasty chicharon which was a gift from Pres. Noynoy Aquino) for her friends from the entertainment press. The informal luncheon get-together which was a post celebration of her birth anniversary and Valentine’s Day was made more exciting, even entertaining, by everyone’s contribution of current showbiz rumors. But sorry, everything was off the record.

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Metro’s finest grace Seventh High opening

Global City witnessed recently one of the most successful openings of an entertainment hot spot as Seventh High opened its doors to more than a thousand select guests from different industries.

The Boutique Club formally opened with cocktails in The Lounge, highlighted by a spectacular show by Geneva Cruz, Gab Valenciano, the talented son of Gary and Angeli, who wowed the audience in the Club Room as a first-time DJ, followed by DJ Kristian Hernandez. The Main Club overflowed with guests as DJ Euric opened the set for Discotech who performed till the wee hours of the morning.

Discotech has toured the world and has worked on remixes for artist such as Kanye West, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and produced a track for Mike Posner. It was their first event in Manila.

Seventh High owner Jose Haresco said he was overjoyed with the results of the opening day crowd. “It really surpassed my expectations,” Haresco added.

Club Managing Director Lito Trinidad said that the venue will have a week-long lineup of high caliber performers to sustain the interest of regular club goers as well as attract new clients.

Among those spotted in the club opening were Congressman J.V. Ejercito of San Juan and Toby Tiangco of Navotas; PBA superstar James Yap; Azkals James Younghusband and Anton del Rosario; models Borgy Manotoc, Brent Javier, Karen Pamintuan, Bianca Valerio, Georgina Wilson; “Amazing Race Asia” finalists Richard Herrera and Richard Hardin; TV personalities Bubbles Paraiso, John Hall and Michelle Madrigal; talent manager Arnold Vegafria and Ateneo basketball stars Nico Salva and Bacon Austria.

Seventh High’s The Lounge is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Tuesday to Saturday, and The Club operates from 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and is located at Bonifacio High St., 7th Avenue corner Lane P, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

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Kannawidan officers for years 2011-2012

The Kannawidan Foundation, Inc. (the Iloko foundation for the arts and culture) has the following officers for 2011-2012: Lita Marcos Roque, president; Betty Factora Meritt, vice president; Zsa Zsa Blanco Diaz, secretary; Marita Bagasao Abellera, treasurer; Amparo Javier Araullo, auditor; Lita Alviar Luga, PRO; and Atty. Don Agcaoili Alviar, legal counsel.

Members of the Board of Trustees are Attys. Ernesto Laigo Albano, Tomas Bonoan Baga Jr., Rolando Palafox de la Cuesta, and Alfonso Javier Ruiz; Arch. Felino “Jun” Albano Palafox Jr., Nora Castro Bautista, Mary Lou Carpio Claudio, and Hilario Eden Ulep. The Council of Advisers is composed of Francis Ablan, Alice Ventural Raval, Maximo Edralin Jr., Rosie Mata Castro, Rosemarie Balmaceda Lazaro, Justices Oswaldo Agacaoili and Wenceslao Agnir Jr., and Georgia Balmaceda Alviar.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 17, go to Macabebe Mayor Jerry Pelayo, Teri Maniquis, Cielo Rivera, Nelda Ferrero, Ronnie Salonga, Marra Lanot, Pat Camacho, Brenda Reyes, Jessie Villarama, Dr. Elmo Belaro CGEC, Manila Health Department, and TV host Paolo Bediones…