The Malabon City government has strengthened its disaster response capability through a comprehensive earthquake preparedness training conducted in partnership with Makita Tools Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

According to the city’s Public Information Office, the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) led the activity which focused on the proper use and maintenance of rescue tools essential during earthquakes and other calamities.

The city government said Malabon is the first local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila to conduct the “Earthquake Preparedness Orientation for Malabon City.”

Around 260 participants, including LGU personnel, barangay officials, and students joined the training and learned how to operate Makita’s cordless power cutters, chainsaws, metal cutters, and emergency lighting equipment for use in clearing debris and rescuing trapped individuals.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said the program forms part of the city’s continuous efforts to ensure the safety of every Malabueno and to strengthen community preparedness for potential disasters.

“Malabueños, ang kaligtasan ng bawat buhay sa bawat tahanan ay mahalaga — at ito po ang ating pangunahing prayoridad, lalo na matapos ang mga napabalitang lindol sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa. Para sa atin, ano mang kalamidad ay seryosong bagay at dapat pagtuunan ng pansin. Tayo ay patuloy na naghahanda upang masiguro ang kapakanan ng bawat Malabueno (Malabueños, the safety of every life in every home is important — and this is our top priority, especially after the recent earthquakes reported in different parts of the country. For us, any disaster is a serious matter that deserves attention. We continue to prepare to ensure the well-being of every Malabueno),” she said.

“Ang programang ito ay napapanahon dahil sa panahon ng pangangailangan, dapat ay handa tayong tumulong (This program is timely, because in times of need, we must always be ready to help),” Sandoval added. 

Makita Tools Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Makita power tools and equipment in the country, lauded Malabon for being one of the first cities in Metro Manila to integrate hands-on power tool training into its emergency response program.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said the partnership reflects Malabon’s strong commitment to public safety and disaster resilience through collaboration with the private sector.

“We want our responders to be fully prepared and trained to handle any situation during disasters. This collaboration with Makita Tools Philippines is a big step toward ensuring the safety and readiness of every Malabueno,” he said.

The local government also finalized its contingency plan defining the roles of local departments and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in managing response clusters such as search and rescue, law and order, health, logistics, and humanitarian assistance.

It added that these measures aim to build a disaster-ready Malabon capable of swift and coordinated action during emergencies.