Following the devastating earthquake that rocked Myanmar and Thailand, and the recent collapse of a major bridge in Isabela, senators are now pushing for a stronger disaster preparedness program that would help the Philippines be able to stand in case of such event.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) should conduct a thorough assessment of the structural integrity of public infrastructure across the country.
Pimentel cited the recent collapse of the Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge in Isabela as a pressing reminder of the need for greater disaster preparedness.
“The recent Myanmar earthquake and the collapse of the Isabela bridge are wake-up calls to reassess the country’s disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience,” Pimentel said in a statement on Sunday, March 30.
“We should check the status of our public infrastructure. The collapse of the Isabela bridge should prompt a thorough evaluation of the quality of work in our construction projects to ensure that each infrastructure can withstand an earthquake with intensity 7 and above,” the senator said.
Pimentel said there is a pressing need to fine-tune the government’s disaster preparedness program in anticipation of a strong earthquake, noting that the Philippines is located along several fault lines, including Marikina in Metro Manila.
Among the regular preparations is the conduct of comprehensive earthquake drills across the country to educate communities on safety measures, according to Pimentel.
“Let’s continue to be conscious of the need to prepare for earthquakes because the Philippines has many fault lines,” he reminded government agencies.
“People should know where to go, what is the safest place in their area when an earthquake strikes. Regular earthquake drills should be encouraged to minimize casualties and ensure swift response during emergencies,” said Pimentel, who is running for mayor of Marikina City.
“These drills are essential in ensuring that Filipinos are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in times of disaster. We must continue and improve these initiatives nationwide,” Pimentel added.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian shared the same sentiment, noting that not only Myanmar, but also Thailand was devastated by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
“Bangkok, as far as I know, is not part of the so-called ‘ring of fire’. And yet, they were hit by this massive quake,” Gatchalian said in Filipino in an interview on Radio DWIZ.
“That’s why this is a lesson to us. Since we are in the ring of fire, that means we are more prone to experiencing strong earthquakes,” he said.
“We will feel these kinds of earthquakes more often, so it's important to be prepared. Especially for local governments,” Gatchalian added.