In the last two weeks, the Philippines has been struck by powerful earthquakes that have shaken Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Quakes rocked Cebu, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, La Union, Zambales, and other parts of our country registering magnitudes as high as 7.4. Nearly a hundred lives have been lost, thousands injured, and hundreds of thousands displaced. Homes crumbled. Livelihoods were wiped out. Communities were left reeling in fear and uncertainty.

Yet amid the devastation, the spirit of Bayanihan emerged stronger than the tremors. Support surged from all corners of the country and beyond. National agencies, local governments, international partners, NGOs, private groups, rescue workers, and volunteers worked around the clock, even as aftershocks continued to threaten their safety. Their courage is a testament to the Filipino people’s compassion and resilience.

The City of San Juan stands in full solidarity with those affected. We extended a total amount of ₱2 million to the Province of Cebu and to the City of Bogo. In my capacity as national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, on behalf of the LCP, we also extended ₱1 million to the City of Bogo. But beyond the relief efforts, these disasters underscore the urgency of strengthening our national resilience.

As national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, president of the Metro Manila Council and the mayor of the City of San Juan, I issued a public call to action for continuous capacity building in disaster response and preparedness. In the midst of all of these earthquakes, it is not only about recovery, for me, it is about readiness.

We must act now. The “Big One” remains a looming risk in Metro Manila and beyond. Thus, we must be very prepared.

I call on every Filipino - from our barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces from the north to the south - to take part in this shared responsibility. Your awareness, vigilance, and quick action can save lives. Your participation is vital.

To my fellow mayors and local government officials: let us continue to invest in training our disaster response teams. Ensure that our LGUs are fully equipped with emergency vehicles, rescue equipment, and supplies for rapid deployment when the time comes.

To our building officials: inspect without compromise. Monitor the structural integrity of both public and private infrastructure. Lives depend on your vigilance.

To every Filipino household: be prepared. Know your evacuation sites. Review your emergency protocols. Stay calm and collected when tremors strike.

Remember the basic drill: duck, cover, and hold. Take cover under sturdy furniture. Stay away from glass and unstable structures. Move to open areas only when safe.

But more than a drill, “duck, cover, and hold” is a mindset. We duck to protect what matters: our loved ones and our people. We cover each other with compassion and solidarity. And we hold fast to hope and courage, knowing that we will always rise again - together.

Our foundation for disaster resilience is already in place. Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, provides a clear framework. It shifted our national approach from reactive response to proactive prevention. It calls for a “whole-of-nation” approach - uniting government, civil society, and every citizen in the work of preparedness.

Now, it is time to act on that foundation.

Let us not wait for the next disaster to remind us of what is at stake. Every simple action, every training, every plan counts. Our readiness today will protect our families.

To the volunteers and responders who continue to serve: Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Your selflessness inspires us all.

To the donors who have shared their blessings: your kindness is felt in every devastated home.

To every public servant who responded without delay: you showed the country what true public service means.

As we Filipinos extend help to areas affected, let us also deepen our resolve to build a nation that is not only quick to respond - but always ready.

Let us stay vigilant. Let us stay united. And may we continue to seek God’s protection and mercy for our people and our land.