OCD chief outlines 3 key points for effective earthquake preparedness

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted three crucial areas for earth-quake preparedness, emphasizing that the occurrence of the “Big One” is not a matter of if, but when.

- BY MARTIN SADONGDONG

In a statement Sunday, May 4, the OCD said that Nepomuceno delivered a compelling call to action for earth-quake preparedness during the recent Security Bank First Quarter 2025 Townhall where he stressed to bank employees and officers that the Philip-pines must be ready for the inevitable: the next major earthquake.

The OCD chief emphasized that engineering solutions, practice of the life-saving technique “duck, cover and hold,” and strengthening government response capabilities are the three cru-cial areas that would ensure the public's readiness in case the Big One strikes.

The Big One is a potential magni-tude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault that could strike Metro Manila with devastating consequences. Government data suggested that such an event could result in the deaths of 30,000 to 50,000 people, injuries of at least 160,000 individuals, and dis-placement of millions.

First, Nepomuceno said that en-gineering solutions are the “first line of defense.”