The Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill in 2025, emphasizing disaster preparedness. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno indicated that this drill tests the readiness of government responses to major earthquakes. Concerns were raised about the country’s preparedness, with calls for better public knowledge and community involvement in disaster planning. Social Media was cited as a valuable tool in spreading awareness.
On March 13, 2025, the Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill in Santa Rosa, Laguna, organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). This initiative involved over 1,300 local government units and private sector participants engaging in various simulations, including damage assessments, hazardous materials responses, search and rescue missions, and child evacuations, demonstrating the nation’s preparedness for a potential earthquake.
Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that this drill serves as a litmus test for the capacity of both national and local governments to respond effectively to a major earthquake, specifically a potential 7.2 magnitude event known as the “Big One.” He pointed out the need for improved disaster preparedness, stating, “We have a lot of catching up to do.”
Nepomuceno noted the importance of collaborative disaster management, highlighting the findings of a 2024 Harvard Humanitarian Initiative survey which revealed low disaster preparedness scores in the National Capital Region, despite its location in the earthquake-prone Pacific Ring of Fire. He asserted the necessity for cities to develop unified disaster management plans.
Social Welfare Undersecretary Diane Cajipe further elaborated that disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility between the government and citizens. She advocated for the dissemination of knowledge, stating, “Knowledge is something that each one of us should have because that would save us.” Cajipe also expressed concern regarding the challenges in executing disaster plans effectively on the ground.
To address this, Cajipe suggested utilizing social media to enhance community-level awareness and engagement in disaster preparedness. She stressed the importance of grassroots efforts to ensure that disaster preparedness knowledge is broadly shared among citizens. Despite the unpredictability of earthquakes, advances in science and research continue to assist governments in formulating effective protocols for disaster response.
The Philippines’ first nationwide earthquake drill of 2025 underscored the pressing need for enhanced disaster preparedness among government agencies and citizens alike. The event highlighted the necessity for a united approach to disaster management while acknowledging existing challenges in readiness. As experts emphasize the role of knowledge dissemination and community engagement, it remains clear that effective preparation is crucial in mitigating the impacts of unpredictable natural disasters.
Original Source: www.rappler.com
