CAMIGUIN ― The Philippines aims for zero casualties in future disasters, an ambitious goal unveiled by Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno during a press conference in Camiguin yesterday.
The announcement followed a successful National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), hosted by Camiguin’s local government and attended by national agency representatives.
Nepomuceno, who also serves as the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), pointed out that preparedness is vital, especially as the country faces the potential for significant earthquakes not only in Metro Manila but across regions with active fault lines.
“OCD and other agencies, particularly the Department of Interior and Local Governance, recognize that major earthquakes can occur nationwide, not just in Manila,” Nepomuceno said in Filipino, noting that the Philippines has six active fault lines, including the West Valley Fault, capable of triggering a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in the capital.
With over 170 fault systems across the Philippines, he explained the importance of continuous readiness through drills and training.
Nepomuceno acknowledged that the zero-casualty target is challenging but emphasized that increased preparedness can help save lives.
He praised Camiguin’s recent earthquake drill as a model for other provinces, urging local governments to strengthen disaster response capacity at all levels, from national to barangay.
Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo expressed gratitude, noting that the drill reinforced the island’s disaster readiness and assured support from neighboring provinces and national agencies if needed.
Romualdo highlighted the importance of continued training, especially as Camiguin is home to Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano.
The NDRRMC plans to conduct more drills nationwide, with Camiguin serving as a benchmark for preparedness initiatives.
