Phivolcs Recommends No-Build Zones in Coastal Uplift Areas
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 08 July 2026) – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will recommend classifying coastal uplift sites as no-build zones due to their instability and vulnerability to seismic hazards.
Edward Louise E. Orquillas, a Phivolcs Science Research Assistant, stated that these areas are unsuitable for housing as they face risks from earthquakes, tsunamis, and storm surges. He made the remarks during the National Disaster Resilience Month 2026 Regional Resilience Information Caravan in Davao City.
Coastal uplifts, caused by the June 8 Magnitude 7.8 earthquake, have altered shorelines in Soccsksargen and Davao regions, exposing previously submerged coral reefs. Orquillas suggested these sites be reserved for research and education rather than development.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also warned against constructing infrastructure in these areas, with Assistant Secretary Karlo Queaño proposing they be designated as geologic monuments instead.
Phivolcs conducted rapid assessments in five provinces, identifying 42 coastal uplifts, 52 tsunami incidents, and widespread liquefaction. Temporary seismic stations were installed to monitor aftershocks. In Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, a coral bed rose by 2.5 meters, extending the shoreline by 200 meters. (Yas D. Ocampo / MindaNews)
