Philippines Conducts First Nationwide Earthquake Drill of 2025 to Assess Preparedness
On March 13, 2025, the Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill, involving over 1,300 local units. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno called it a test for national preparedness against a possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The drill highlighted gaps in disaster readiness, prompting calls for community involvement and education. Social Welfare Undersecretary Diane Cajipe emphasized shared responsibility in disaster preparedness.
On March 13, 2025, the Philippines conducted its first nationwide earthquake drill at Santa Rosa, Laguna, involving over 1,300 local government units and private sector participants. The drill included various simulations, such as damage assessment, hazardous materials response, search and rescue operations, and the evacuation of students with special needs. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) emphasized this exercise as a litmus test for the nation’s readiness to respond to a potential major earthquake, specifically a 7.2 magnitude quake anticipated to affect Metro Manila.
During a press briefing, Undersecretary Nepomuceno highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness in the Philippines, pointing out the nation’s top ranking in the World Risk Index as evidence of the challenges ahead. He remarked, “We have a lot of catching up to do,” underscoring the necessity of continuous effort to protect communities during disasters.
A recent survey by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative indicated that the National Capital Region exhibited low levels of disaster preparedness. Despite the country’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire—prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions—there is a pressing need for coordinated disaster management efforts amongst local governments.
Social Welfare Undersecretary Diane Cajipe remarked on the shared responsibility between the government and citizens in disaster preparedness. She stated, “Knowledge is something that each one of us should have because that would save us.” Additionally, she acknowledged the difficulties in implementing disaster plans effectively.
Cajipe advocated for localized community education on disaster preparedness, stating, “Let us bring it down to the roots, in the community, and social media is a huge help in this information campaign.” As natural disasters are inherently unpredictable, ongoing scientific research is essential to aid governments in developing effective response strategies to protect their communities.
The first nationwide earthquake drill in the Philippines serves as an essential measure to evaluate the country’s preparedness for significant seismic events. With insights from various officials, it is clear that there exists a critical need for improved disaster readiness. Enlisting both government and community efforts can bolster resilience against potential earthquakes, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response when disasters strike.
Original Source: www.rappler.com
