The Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill in 2025, involving over 1,300 local units and focusing on disaster preparedness for a potential major earthquake. Officials emphasized the need for coordinated response efforts and public education on disaster readiness and highlighted ongoing gaps in the nation’s disaster preparedness strategies.
On March 13, 2025, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) conducted the Philippines’ first nationwide earthquake drill in Santa Rosa, Laguna, aiming to evaluate the disaster preparedness of both national and local governments. Over 1,300 local government units and various private sector participants engaged in exercises covering damage assessment, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and evacuation of students with learning difficulties.
During a press briefing, OCD Chief Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the vital nature of the drill, labeling it a litmus test for readiness against a potential magnitude 7.2 earthquake, often referred to as the “Big One”. Nepomuceno underscored the necessity for coordinated action among governmental entities in the face of such a disaster.
The Undersecretary expressed concern over the Philippines’ disaster preparedness, stating, “We have a lot of catching up to do.” He pointed to the nation’s top ranking in the World Risk Index as an indication of the challenges ahead and emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard communities during a disaster.
A 2024 survey by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative revealed that the National Capital Region is underprepared for disasters, despite its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Nepomuceno indicated the importance of developing unified disaster response plans among neighboring cities.
Social Welfare Undersecretary Diane Cajipe stressed that disaster preparedness is not solely a government responsibility but also a civic duty. She remarked, “Knowledge is something that each one of us should have because that would save us.” Cajipe further criticized the disconnect between planning and execution, noting that effective plans need widespread understanding to be truly effective.
Proposing solutions, Cajipe suggested leveraging social media to enhance community outreach and awareness. Despite the inherent unpredictability of earthquakes, ongoing scientific research aims to improve understanding of these events, enabling governments to develop more effective protocols for community safety.
The nationwide earthquake drill in the Philippines serves as a critical assessment of the country’s disaster response capabilities, particularly in light of the looming threat of significant seismic events. Both government officials and citizens were urged to prioritize preparedness and knowledge dissemination to enhance safety measures. The collective efforts of local governments, private sectors, and citizens are essential in creating a robust disaster response framework.
Original Source: www.rappler.com
