By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. advised Filipinos to shift from panic to preparation as a string of earthquakes continues to hit various parts of the country.
Disaster survival begins at home, the President said.
“Unang-una, magplano. Magkaroon ng plano at alam ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya kung ano ‘yung plano na ‘yun … Saan ang evacuation area? Saan tayo tatakbo? Saan ang meeting place kapag lumindol (First, make a plan. Every family member should know where to run and where to meet when an earthquake hits),” Marcos said in his latest vlog aired Sunday.
He said households must identify safe zones before disaster strikes, including common meeting points inside and outside the home.
Beyond planning, Marcos reiterated his long-standing call for every Filipino household to prepare a disaster “go bag.”
“Maghanda po kayo ng go bag … Mga importanteng dokumento … pagkain, tubig, first aid kit, mga gamot, hygiene kit, flashlight, pito (Prepare a go bag … important documents, food, water, first aid kit, medicines, hygiene kit, flashlight, whistle), lighter and emergency cash,” he said.
The President also encouraged the use of rugged phones or radios in case power and communications are disrupted.
Listen to official sources only
Marcos likewise warned against misinformation, saying fake earthquake alerts during the recent tremors caused unnecessary injuries.
“Pag-ingatan ninyo ‘yung fake news … Naniwala ang mga kawawang biktima at sila sa kakatakbo, marami pa rin nasaktan (Beware of fake news … Some victims believed false reports and kept running, many still got hurt),” he said.
He instructed the public to track advisories only from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and local government units, police and first responders.
The President said disaster response should no longer be reactive.
“Higit sa pagbangon o pagresponde, mas mahalaga ang maging handa (More than responding or recovering, being prepared is more important),” he said. (PNA)
