CITY OF MALOLOS — Governor Daniel R. Fernando has ordered disaster response and preparedness agencies in Bulacan to strengthen earthquake readiness measures following the powerful quake that struck parts of Mindanao last week, citing the need to prepare Bulakenyos for the potential impact of “The Big One.”
Fernando said this during the 2nd Quarter Joint Meeting of Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.
“‘Yung nangyaring lindol sa Mindanao, hindi rin natin alam ang mga susunod na maaaring mangyari. Kaya nananawagan po tayo sa lahat ng ating disaster and preparedness offices sa [bawat LGU] na maging handa po tayo at mas paigtingin ang paghahanda para sa mga posibleng mangyari dahil sa lindol,” Fernando said.
The Big One refers to the projected worst-case scenario earthquake of magnitude 7.2 or higher caused by the movement of the West Valley Fault, a 100-kilometer fault system running directly through Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Bulacan.
In relation to this, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office under the leadership of Manuel M. Lukban, Jr. presented their preparations during the said council meeting, including the conversion of their operation room into 24/7 emergency operation center, conducting of pre-disaster risk assessment, enhancement of monitoring systems, and execution of National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill among others.
Moreover, the Provincial Government of Bulacan expressed its support to SIGLABAY: Sigla at Lakas ng Bayanihan, a program spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 3 that focuses on community earthquake preparedness, wherein the beneficiaries are the towns near the fault line.
Among the areas in the province that lie above the West Valley Fault are the Municipalities of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, and the City of San Jose Del Monte.
Fernando also urged Bulakenyos to remain vigilant and prioritize preparedness, stressing that both lives and livelihoods are at stake in the event of a major earthquake.
“Sobrang nakababahala po ang ganitong trahedya kung sakali, kaya huwag naman sana. Kasi unang-una, buhay at kabuhayan ang nakasalalay sakaling tamaan tayo nito. Kaya doble pag-iingat at paghahanda po ang bilin natin sa lahat ng Bulakenyo, lalo na sa malalapit sa fault line,” he said. (UnliNews Online)
