Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair Gilberto Teodoro Jr. ordered a comprehensive review of earthquake contingency plans and the conduct of preparedness drills in regions not affected by the recent strong earthquakes in Davao and Cebu.
The directive was issued over the weekend during the National Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (NIACC) meeting of the NDRRMC as part of efforts to enhance disaster readiness nationwide.
Teodoro instructed the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other member agencies to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that local contingency plans and disaster protocols are reviewed, validated, and updated.
He also urged the conduct of large-scale earthquake drills, particularly in public areas such as schools, government offices, and other key facilities.
“Sa mga area na hindi na lindol [o naapektuhan ng lindol], please tell the LGUs na mag-review o practice ng earthquake drill protocols,” he said,” Teodoro said, emphasizing the need for proactive measures even in areas not directly hit by recent quakes.
The Secretary issued the order in the wake of two major earthquakes, called a “doublet,” in Manay, Davao Oriental, on Friday — a magnitude 7.4 main shock at 9:43 a.m. and a magnitude 6.8 at 7:12 p.m.
