STAYING GROUNDED: Students, Scientists Push for Earthquake Readiness
STAYING GROUNDED: Students, Scientists Push for Earthquake Readiness
Embedded Files
The Link, October 27, 2025
By Marco Iñigo M. Alberto and Tristan Enrico J. Tulauan
We once thought that staying “grounded” was associated with being still and firm—now, it is about holding on even when the ground beneath us refuses to stay still.
The material utilizes the photo taken by Master Nicolo J. Sonza during the earthquake preparedness drill in Lourdes School of Mandaluyong on October 17, 2025.
What began as an ordinary morning on Oct. 10 quickly turned into a disaster when a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Davao Oriental, followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock hours later.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), more than 500,000 people were affected in Davao Oriental.
The earthquake caused severe damage to homes, roads, and hospitals, with the NDRRMC reporting widespread disruptions to transportation, power, and water systems, forcing thousands of families to evacuate.
In light of the severe damage seen in Davao Oriental, fears of “The Big One” resurfaced—a potential magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault, which runs through Metro Manila, where the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) estimates around 33,500 fatalities and 113,600 injuries.
This raises a haunting question: “Are we truly prepared for when ‘The Big One’ strikes Metro Manila?”
With the Philippines being located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) enlightened the public that earthquakes are natural yet unpredictable events, making earthquake preparedness an imperative for both the people and the government.
The situation in Davao serves as a wake-up call for everyone to stay alert and ready for the next tremor. Living in a country along the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes are not a matter of “if” but “when.”
Earthquake preparedness goes beyond awareness—it demands action through proper planning, response, and recovery to reduce harm to yourself and those around you.
Preparedness starts long before the ground shakes. Secure heavy objects and furniture, prepare a to-go bag stocked with necessities, create a list of emergency contact information, and stay informed through PHIVOLCS updates and alerts.
During an earthquake, remember to stay calm, follow “Duck, Cover, Hold,” and stay as far as you can from anything that may fall or shatter.
Once the shaking stops, check for injuries, move to an open area or higher ground if in a tsunami-prone area, and stay alert for aftershocks and official updates from the NDRRMC, PHIVOLCS, or your local government unit.
According to PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol, following the recent earthquakes’ widespread impact on the communities in and near Davao, “These events remind us that preparedness saves lives. We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can lessen their impact.”
References:
DOST-PHIVOLCS. (n.d.). PRIMER ON THE 10 OCTOBER 2025 MAGNITUDE (MW) 7.4 OFFSHORE DAVAO ORIENTAL EARTHQUAKE. In DOST-
PHIVOLCS. https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/primer-on-the-10-october-2025-magnitude-mw-7-4-offshore-
NDRMMC. (2025). Philippines - Earthquakes, update (NDRMMC, ADINet) (ECHO Daily Flash of 14 October 2025). In Reliefweb.
Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. (2025, September 15). Earthquake preparedness - Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.
Vera-Ruiz, E. D. (2025, October 10). Phivolcs urges preparedness as Filipinos battle “disaster fatigue.” Manila Bulletin.
https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/10/phivolcs-urges-preparedness-as-filipinos-battle-disaster-fatigue
Report abuse