CEBU CITY – Is Bohol ready to respond in case a major earthquake strikes in the province?

LED by Gov. Aris Aumentado, Bohol officials review the fault lines in the province as part of the preparations for a possible major earthquake. (Contributed photo)

Gov. Aris Aumentado looked into this when he recently presided over a meeting attended by various officials in the province.

Present in the meeting were Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Dr. Anthony Damalerio, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office head Jovencia Ganub, and Engr. Ronilita Bunado of the Provincial Planning and Development Office.

Aumentado said he convened the three officials as their offices are the first ones to respond during emergencies.

Also present in the meeting was Engr. Nolan Evangelista, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Bohol.

During the meeting, Evangelista briefed Aumentado and other Bohol officials on the current situation of the East Bohol Fault from Loay to Sierra Bullones town and the  South Offshore Fault Line from Anda to Pamilacan Island and even reaches Siquijor.

"We are praying that the province be spared from calamities. But as the governor, I must ensure that we are prepared in case of a major earthquake because keeping every Bol-anon from danger keep is important for me," Aumentado said.

Evangelista said should a major tremor hit Bohol, it will affect the coastal areas in the western part of the province, including Tagbilaran City and Panglao, a prime tourist destination.

Aumentado said specific instructions have already been given to agencies which will be in the forefront of the province's emergency response.

"I believe that contingency planning plays a big role in our bid to be a disaster-resilient province. We need the support of the people that's why we encourage everyone to help each other," Aumentado said.