Earthquakes are unpredictable, but the damage can be reduced

The recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked Cebu and nearby islands — followed by days of aftershocks — has once again reminded us how vulnerable we are in the face of natural disasters.

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No one can predict when an earthquake will strike, but we can reduce its devastating effects through preparedness, science-based policies, and strict implementation of safety protocols.

More than 165,000 families have been affected, with over 39,000 homes damaged, hundreds injured, and dozens confirmed dead. These numbers are not just statistics — they are lives forever changed. And as we count the damage, we must also count the lessons we must finally act on.

We are not without tools. We have an active National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and local governments have made strides in preemptive evacuations and relief efforts. But there is still much more we - the government and the citizens - can do to reduce destruction before disaster strikes.