Earthquake summit highlights engineering solutions, stricter policy implementation

MANILA, Philippines — A recent earthquake summit, organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), highlighted the need for enhanced coordination mechanisms, engineering solutions alongside maximum utilization of available technologies and stricter policy implementation to strengthen the country’s preparedness.

Joined by various government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, academic institutions and other partners in disaster risk reduction and management, the summit was conducted last Thursday to facilitate in-depth discussions on earthquake scenarios, preparedness measures, pressing issues and concerns and the necessary interventions.

“We held this summit to establish a common and deeper understanding of the earthquake hazards, look into what we have so far in terms of resources, what we have done already, what are the issues and concerns and, most importantly, the needed interventions,” said civil defense chief Ariel Nepomuceno.

Tackled at the summit were the science of the “Big Ones,” the organizational structures for response, operational assets such as manpower and equipment, related plans, response mechanisms, protocols and procedures, other initiatives for earthquake preparedness as well as the areas of improvements.

Speakers at the summit were Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol, Lt. Col. Ariel Galimba of the AFP, Lt. Luther Quela of the PCG, Col. Marvin Joe Saro of the PNP, MMDA director Crisanto Saruca, DSWD director Michael Christopher Mathay, Maria Belinda Evangelista of the DOH, PDRF senior cluster coordinator Philline Neille Cruz and OCD Cagayan Valley civil defense officer Ronald Villa.

The summit focused on the Magnitude 7.2 earthquake generated by the West Valley Fault in the Greater Metro Manila Area.

“It is good that we were able to identify what we have now and the areas for improvements that will serve as our guide as we strengthen our prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response,” said Nepomuceno.