While earthquakes cannot be predicted the same way as typhoons, House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III said the country's local government units (LGU) can still reduce risks in their jurisdictions through proper planning and hazard mapping.

Dy, who flew to General Santos City in South Cotabato earlier this week after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern islands of Mindanao, said LGUs must take into account all hazards affecting their communities—not only earthquakes but also landslides and floods—to better protect residents and minimize casualties during disasters.

“Kapag may bagyo, nakakapaghanda tayo kung gaano kalakas yung bagyo o typhoon. Pero pagkadating ng earthquake, importante lamang malaman natin kung nasan yung sentro, kung san tatama. Para sa ganun, ang pagpaplano ng local government unit ay maiayos,” he said.

(When there is a typhoon, we can prepare based on its strength. But when it comes to earthquakes, it is only important to know where the epicenter is and where it will hit. That way, the local government unit can plan properly.)

“Katulad na kung halimbawa ay yan ay prone sa hindi lang sa earthquake kundi sa landslide, prone sa flood. Para sa ganun makaiwas tayo sa mga aksidente. At sana laging unahin natin ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.

(For example, if an area is prone not only to earthquakes but also to landslides and floods, we must plan accordingly to avoid accidents. And hopefully, we always prioritize the welfare and safety of every Filipino.)

The Isabela 6th district representative's remarks build on earlier commitments made by the House of Representatives during the Mindanao earthquake response.

The Speaker earlier announced that the House would help ensure that all earthquake-related hospital expenses of injured victims would be covered, regardless of whether they were admitted to public or private hospitals.

He also said that lawmakers from the region would help assess infrastructure damage for possible inclusion in the proposed 2027 national budget.

During the General Santos visit, Dy reiterated that rehabilitation of critical public infrastructure—including hospitals, airports, roads, bridges, and other public facilities—would be among the priorities identified by the House delegation for funding consideration.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that relief assistance can reach affected communities quickly, noting that damaged roads have complicated transport and response operations.

The Speaker said the House of Representatives remains ready to support both immediate relief efforts and longer-term recovery measures.

“Kami po ay nakikiisa at nakikiramay at makakaasa po kayo sa amin pong patuloy na pagtulong para matiyak na makabangon po tayo ng sabay sabay sa problema na to,” Dy said.

(We stand in solidarity and sympathy, and you can count on our continued assistance to ensure that we all rise together from this problem.)

Leading more than 100 House members who have joined the relief drive, Dy has been coordinating closely with local officials and lawmakers from Region XII to identify urgent needs and ensure that both emergency assistance and rehabilitation support are delivered to affected communities.

“Ang importante po dito, bilang mga Pilipino maging matibay po tayo. Babangon po tayo, sama-sama. Ito po yung importante, yung kooperasyon at tulungan ng bawat isa."

(The important thing here is that as Filipinos, we must be strong. We will rise together. What matters most is cooperation and helping one another.)