As part of disaster preparedness efforts, Malacañang has called on local government units (LGUs) to ensure that buildings comply with safety standards following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar that left over 1,600 people dead and four Filipinos unaccounted for.

In a press briefing on Monday, March 31, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized the importance of readiness in light of the recent earthquake that revived talks of "The Big One" hitting Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

"Sa mga ganyan pong pagkakataon po kasi hindi po talaga natin masasabi kung kailan mangyayari, pero mas maganda po na maging handa (In these situations, we really cannot predict when they will happen, but it is better to be prepared)," she said.

The Palace Press Officer highlighted that most government agencies have measures in place for disaster response.

"Nagkakaroon po ng earthquake drill, fire drill. At meron po tayong nakahanda po mga Go Bags (We have earthquake drills, fire drills, and we have Go Bags ready)," she said.

Despite this, Castro called on LGUs to take an active role in ensuring that buildings in their jurisdictions meet safety standards.

"Sa mga local government units sa atin din po, idini-demand po natin, hangga't maaari po, na yung mga building officers nila ay magsagawa po ng mga inspection, kung maaari (We are demanding our LGUs, as much as possible, that their building officers conduct inspections if possible)," she said.

"At maging mahigpit din po sila sa pagbibigay ng mga permits sa papapagawa ng mga buildings na magiging maaaring hindi ganoon katibay (They should also be strict in granting permits for the construction of buildings that may not be sturdy enough)," she added.

Beyond government efforts, Castro said disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility with the public.

"Magtulong-tulungan din po dito sa pag-information dissemination patungkol po sa paghanda pag ganito po ang nangyari (The public, should also help in spreading information about preparedness in case something like this happens)," she said.

"The Big One" refers to a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that could be triggered by the movement of the West Valley Fault, a major fault line running through Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Experts warn that such an event could cause severe damage to infrastructure, casualties, and widespread disruptions.