Makati city: A responsive earthquake preparedness measure is a must for the Philippines since it is located in a seismically active region, a ranking Office of Civil Defense (OCD) official said.

According to Philippines News Agency, OCD administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros emphasized the importance of readiness during the 3rd quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Cabreros underscored the warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) about the country's geographical position and its vulnerability to major earthquakes due to numerous earthquake generators.

Cabreros referenced past earthquakes in Cebu, Davao, and Sarangani as reminders of the importance of enhancing the nation's preparedness and response capabilities. He stressed that the threat of significant seismic activity demands that all Filipinos increase their readiness for such disasters.

He highlighted the importance of drills like the NSED, which help Filipinos familiarize themselves with necessary procedures during earthquakes. Cabreros stated that preparedness is a shared responsibility, requiring the collective effort of individuals, families, communities, institutions, and sectors to strengthen response capabilities.

Cabreros concluded by emphasizing that everyone has a role in enhancing preparedness and resilience, as disaster management is not limited to professionals but includes every member of society.