President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for the immediate creation of Department of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, which has been long overdue, will significantly reduce the estimated 48,000 loss of lives in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in case a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Manila, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Chief Renato Solidum.
“We have long been in discussion to elevate the matter of DRRM to a department level because RA 10121 or the Philippine DRRM Act is under review, “ said Solidum. He warned that the “Big One” could strike anytime.
Speaking during the 3rd Disaster Resilience Conference for Persons with Disabilities and senior citizens sponsored by SM Cares, Solidum said the creation of a department on DRRM is long overdue considering the position of the Philippines as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
The event was conducted by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls in partnership with Philvolcs and Metro Manila Development Authority, at the SMX at the Mall of Asia.
Solidum lamented that the Philippines is basically always on the reactive side which is why time and resources are spent more on response and rescue efforts. He noted that having a Department of DRRM will expand the focus to include disaster preparedness and mitigation which will not only be more cost-effective but will save lives and properties.
“There would be more concerted effort and there will be people whose focus will only be on DRRM and not only on search and rescue,” he said.
He added that if nothing is done to prepare for an earthquake especially when the so-called Big One takes place in Metro Manila, he said an estimated 48,000 people will die in Metro Manila and nearby provinces on a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the Marikina fault line.
He added that many of those will perish will be PWDs and senior citizens because of their physical limitations and vulnerabilities. “That is why we are always saying that for PWDs and Senior Citizens, there should be a buddy system so that whenever any kind of emergency takes place, they are always with somebody to assist them,” he pointed out.
While nobody could be prepared enough for an earthquake, Solidum said it is important that efforts are now being conducted to prepare for earthquakes.
“The enormity of the problem needs to be examined not only with response but also on the prevention side. No country can be ever ready if the focus will only be on the response side that is why it is important for us to focus on disaster preparedness and mitigation.”
He said that one of the most certain way of saving lives is how houses and structures are built. “You want to save lives? Make sure that your houses, buildings and other structures are strengthened and this can be achieved when we change the mindset of the people that their lives during earthquakes will depend on how they build their houses and the materials they use.”
Solidum added that the DRRM being spearheaded by SM is one of the concrete measures to change the mindset of people.
“We can never have enough of these kinds of fora that focus on preparedness and resiliency. We need to prepare. We need to change mindsets because it is the only way we can save our lives.”
