Following the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province of Cebu last month, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has ordered the conduct of a city-wide simultaneous earthquake drill in Manila's barangays as part of the city government's expanded preparations for disasters and calamities, particularly in anticipation of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake or the Big One that may hit Metro Manila.

During his "First 100 Days" report on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Domagoso said the drill will soon be conducted in all 896 barangays of the Capital City and is designed to simulate real-world disaster scenarios.

The said initiative ensures that every barangay is ready to respond swiftly and effectively during crises.

He said the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO) will lead and coordinate the city’s preparedness efforts for the large-scale drill.

The agency said the exercise aims to enhance the readiness and coordination of all stakeholders in responding to earthquake, tsunami, and flood emergencies within Manila.

"The drill will test response and communication protocols of the MCDRRMO and barangay DRRM committees, evaluate evacuation procedures in coastal and flood-prone areas, and identify operational gaps in the city’s disaster management system," Domagoso said.

"Sa simulation exercise na ito, tatlong scensario ang dapat makabisado ng bawat manileno: ang baha, tsunami o lindol na maaaring maganap sa umaga, o sa hapon, o kaya sa gabi (In this simulation exercise, each Manilan must master three scenarios: a flood, tsunami, or earthquake that could occur in the morning, afternoon, or evening)," he added.

The mayor explained that the scope and coverage of the simulation will include high-risk zones: for earthquake, the City Hall complex, schools, and government offices; for tsunami, coastal barangays along Manila Bay such as Malate, Ermita, Baseco, and Tondo; and for flood, low-lying areas near the Pasig River and esteros.

Participants will include MCDRRMO personnel, barangay DRRM committees, the Manila Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Manila Police District (MPD), various health and rescue units, public and private schools, hospitals, business establishments, community volunteers and residents.

"Manila is situated within the seismically active region influenced by the West Valley Fault system. Although the fault line does not directly traverse the city, its proximity places Manila within the intensity impact zone in the event of a major earthquake, such as the projected magnitude 7.2 'Big One'," according to the MCDRRMO.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) had earlier said it will revisit the 2004 study regarding "The Big One" next year to reassess its effects in the country, particularly in Metro Manila.

The 21-year-old study projected that hundreds of thousands of people in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will be killed and injured once the tremor strikes.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that the "The Big One” is a scenario of a massive earthquake wherein the Marikina Valley fault system, which extends from Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan to Canlubang in Laguna, moves.

"The population of Metro Manila grew and there are a lot of new buildings, so we really need to revisit the study,” Bacolcol said, adding that the new study, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will be completed in two years.