Manila: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. advised Filipinos to shift from panic to preparation as a string of earthquakes continues to hit various parts of the country. Disaster survival begins at home, the President said.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos emphasized the importance of family preparedness in his latest vlog aired Sunday. He urged families to create an evacuation plan that every member understands, detailing where to seek shelter and where to meet during an earthquake. He stressed the necessity of identifying safe zones and common meeting points both inside and outside the home.

Beyond planning, Marcos reiterated his long-standing call for every Filipino household to prepare a disaster ‘go bag.’ He advised that these bags should include important documents, food, water, first aid kits, medicines, hygiene kits, flashlights, whistles, lighters, and emergency cash. The President also recommended the use of rugged phones or radios in case of power and communication disruptions.

Marcos warned against misinformation, noting that fake earthquake alerts during recent tremors have caused unnecessary injuries. He urged the public to rely solely on advisories from official sources such as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and local government units, police, and first responders.

Emphasizing the importance of preparedness, the President stated that disaster response should no longer be reactive. He highlighted that being prepared is more crucial than merely responding or recovering from disasters.