By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Higit sa pagbangon o pagresponde, mas mahalaga ang maging handa.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and response amid the recent spate of earthquakes that shook the provinces of Cebu, Baguio, Surigao, Davao, and Zambales.
In his vlog released on Sunday, Marcos noted the casualties and infrastructure damages brought about by these quakes, citing the inevitability of such seismic events brought about by the country’s location within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The President went on to outline some of the measures that the citizenry can take in order to act accordingly when the ground starts to shake, which involves preparing a comprehensive evacuation plan and a “go bag” containing important documents and essential survival items such as canned goods, water, first aid kit, medicines, hygiene kit, flashlight, phone, and a radio.
President Marcos reminded Filipinos, “Importante na may tamang impormasyon kayo sa mga ganitong panahon. Alamin ninyo ang abiso ng LGU. Makinig sa ating mga awtoridad, barangay official, munisipyo, coast guard, pulis, first responders, at iba pa.”
He cautioned the masses against fake news, “Doon po kayo makinig. Huwag po kayong makinig sa hindi ninyo nalalaman kung saan galing na balita o na impormasyon.”
The Chief Executive, meanwhile, provided reassurance of the government’s preparedness for such disasters at all times, noting the food packs and “go bags” prepositioned by the DSWD and local government units in warehouses nationwide.
This is complemented by the government’s reinforced communication and information drive to heighten the public’s awareness of natural disasters and how to prepare accordingly.
Marcos concluded his vlog by stressing the importance of ensuring that infrastructures being built across the archipelago adhere to the National Building Code of the Philippines and other relevant standards to ensure resiliency against earthquakes.
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