The Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill of 2025 in Laguna, involving over 1,300 entities. The drill tested the preparedness for a potential 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Office of Civil Defense chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the need for improvement in disaster readiness, pointing out the responsibility of both the government and citizens in effective disaster management.
On March 13, 2025, the Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill in Santa Rosa, Laguna, with participation from over 1,300 local government units and private sectors. The drill included simulations focused on damage assessment, hazardous materials response, search and rescue operations, and evacuation procedures, particularly for school children with learning difficulties. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the drill’s significance as a litmus test to evaluate the preparedness of both national and local governments for a potential magnitude 7.2 earthquake, often referred to as the “Big One.”
Undersecretary Nepomuceno expressed concern over the country’s lag in disaster preparedness, stating, “We have a lot of catching up to do.” He highlighted the Philippines’ challenging position on the World Risk Index, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance disaster readiness, noting that it is the responsibility of communities to protect themselves and support their neighbors during disasters.
The National Capital Region received a poor disaster readiness score in a 2024 survey by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, despite the region being part of the earthquake-prone Pacific Ring of Fire. Nepomuceno stressed that cities must create unified disaster plans to ensure collective preparedness.
Social Welfare Undersecretary Diane Cajipe emphasized that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility between the government and citizens. She stated, “Knowledge is something that each one of us should have because that would save us,” urging for comprehensive education on disaster preparedness.
Cajipe also noted the difficulties faced in the implementation of disaster plans and proposed utilizing social media to improve information dissemination. While earthquakes are inherently unpredictable, enhanced scientific research and planning can help governments create effective protocols to safeguard communities against such natural disasters.
The nationwide earthquake drill in the Philippines serves as a critical milestone in assessing the readiness of both national and local governments for significant seismic events like the “Big One.” With acknowledged gaps in preparedness, authorities stress the importance of communal knowledge and unified planning to mitigate disaster risks effectively. Periodic drills and public education initiatives are essential in developing a resilient society capable of responding to emergencies. Enhanced collaboration between government entities and citizens will ultimately be key to improving disaster response efficiency.
Original Source: www.rappler.com
