What Is NSCP?

The National Structural Code of the Philippines or (NSCP) is the primary standard that governs the structural design and construction of buildings and other structures in the country. It establishes minimum safety requirements to ensure that buildings are stable, resilient, and capable of protecting lives and property.
The NSCP was developed by the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (ASEP) and is adopted by government agencies and well-known engineering consultancy firms. It is regularly updated to reflect advancements in engineering practice and lessons learned from disasters caused by natural hazards such as earthquakes and typhoons.

Why Is It Important?

Being in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is regularly exposed to natural hazards. Buildings designed and constructed in accordance with the NSCP are more likely to withstand extreme events, reducing injuries, loss of life, and damage to property. Compliance also helps minimize downtime and costly repairs after disasters.

The NSCP addresses critical structural considerations such as:

• Earthquake and seismic resistance;
• Wind loads from typhoons;
• Building and occupancy loads;
• Foundation and soil conditions; and
• Proper use of construction materials like concrete and steel

Compliance with the NSCP is a legal requirement under the National Building Code of the Philippines or Presidential Decree No. 1096. Local government units require structural plans to follow NSCP standards before issuing building permits and certificates of occupancy.

Failure to comply may result in:

• Permit delays or denial;
• Project stoppages;
• Fines or penalties; and/or
• Legal liability in case of accidents or structural failure

The Building Owner and NSCP

Although licensed engineers and architects prepare design documents, building owners are ultimately responsible for the safety and legality of their properties.

Having a basic understanding of the NSCP allows building owners to:

• Make informed decisions during design and construction;
• Ask the right questions and review proposals properly;
• Avoid unsafe cost-cutting measures; and
• Ensure long-term safety and compliance

The NSCP applies not only to new construction but also to renovations, expansions, additions, and changes in building use. Any modification that affects the structure should be reviewed by qualified professionals.

Buildings Constructed Prior to the Latest Edition of NSCP 

Many buildings in the Philippines were constructed using older editions of the NSCP. While these buildings may still appear structurally sound, safety standards have evolved significantly over time.

Compliance with older editions does not automatically mean compliance with current requirements. The updated edition of NSCP account for up-to-date and more realistic earthquake forces, higher wind load requirements and improved safety and performance criteria. This is because natural hazards have gotten stronger and more destructive thus buildings designed under earlier standards may not be capable of resisting the minimum forces required by today’s codes.

Hidden Structural Risks in Older Buildings

Older buildings may lack adequate reinforcement, structural ductility for earthquakes and proper load paths for wind and seismic forces. These weaknesses are often not visible but can result in severe damage or collapse during major disasters.

Safety, Legal, and Financial Implications

Buildings that do not meet current NSCP standards pose risks to:

• Occupants and the general public;
• Business operations and continuity; and
• Property value and insurability

Owners may also face legal responsibility, costly repairs, insurance issues, and reputational damage if structural failure occurs.

The Role of Structural Assessment and Retrofitting

Building owners are strongly encouraged to engage with licensed civil engineers specializing in structural engineering to:

• Assess compliance of structure with current NSCP requirements;
• Identify structural deficiencies; and
• Recommend retrofitting or strengthening measures, as needed.

Retrofitting can significantly improve safety, extend a building’s service life, and is often more cost-effective than rebuilding after a disaster.

Key Takeaway

The National Structural Code of the Philippines is a vital safety framework that protects people, properties, and communities. For buildings constructed prior to the latest edition of the code, compliance with current NSCP standards should not be assumed.

By understanding the NSCP and ensuring proper evaluation and upgrading when necessary, building owners can:

• Protect lives;
• Comply with legal requirements;
• Reduce financial and operational risks; and
• Preserve the long-term value of their investments.

In a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, NSCP compliance is not just good practice—it is a critical responsibility.

To learn more about structural codes, risks and structural assessment and retrofitting services, visit www.sevenpeaksph.com, call 0917-5085716 or email inquire.7peaks@gmail.com.

The truth is, Protection should begin long before disasters strike—and even before a structure is built.

1. Safety Starts with Structural Design

The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) provides guidelines for designing structures that can withstand the country’s natural hazards, particularly earthquakes and typhoons. Proper design ensures buildings are neither under-designed (weak and unsafe) nor over-designed (unnecessarily costly). Following NSCP standards means safety is built into every plan from the start.

2. Following the Design During Construction

Even the best design cannot protect people if it is not followed during construction. Using the correct materials, workmanship, and compliance with NSCP standards is crucial to achieving the intended structural strength and resilience.

3. Structural Assessment and Retrofitting

Over time, conditions change—buildings age, hazards evolve, and codes are updated. Structural assessments help identify vulnerabilities, while retrofitting upgrades structures to align with current safety standards and hazard considerations. This continuous process ensures buildings remain resilient.

Guidance from Authorities

>> PHIVOLCS provides hazard maps and earthquake/volcanic risk advisories, reminding us to consider site-specific risks in planning.

>> NDRRMC promotes disaster preparedness and risk reduction as a shared responsibility.

>> NSCP sets the technical framework to ensure that safety is embedded in every stage of structural planning, construction, and maintenance.

Our Role

At Seven Peaks, we specialize in structural design, assessment, and retrofitting, guided by NSCP standards and national disaster-prevention frameworks. Our advocacy is to create a full cycle of protection:

>> Design it right (based on codes and hazard data).

>> Build it right (following plans and specifications).

>> Maintain and strengthen over time (through assessments and retrofitting).

By integrating expertise with compliance, we help communities create structures that are not only strong enough to stand—but resilient enough to protect lives.

Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your property and community.

Visit www.sevenpeaksph.com, call 0917-5085716 or email inquire.7peaks@gmail.com.