DOST chief debunks ‘Big One’ rumors, says earthquakes cannot be predicted

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has refuted circulating social media claims that the “Big One” earthquake is set to hit the country soon, urging Filipinos to rely only on verified sources of information.

In a televised interview, Solidum clarified that while the Philippines experiences 30 to 50 earthquakes daily, most of these are minor and unfelt, and there remains no scientific method to predict when a strong quake will occur.

“We don't have that technology yet. We cannot equalize the stress or energy that is accumulated in faults or trenches to produce a strong earthquake when it moves,” Solidum explained, dismissing claims of so-called “man-made earthquakes.”

He added that while consecutive strong earthquakes have recently occurred, such patterns are not unusual. The difference today, he noted, is the increased number of monitoring instruments across the country that allow scientists and the public to better understand seismic activity nationwide.

The DOST Secretary encouraged Filipinos to visit the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) website and official social media pages for verified advisories. He also advised reviewing the “What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake” guide available on the DOST-PHIVOLCS website.

Solidum further reminded the public to secure heavy furniture, comply with the National Building Code, and participate in regular earthquake drills to improve preparedness.

On 30 September, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City, Cebu, followed by a magnitude 7.4 quake on 10 October in Manay, Davao Oriental. PHIVOLCS identified the latter as part of a “doublet”—two strong earthquakes occurring closely in time and location.

Solidum emphasized that vigilance, not panic, remains the best defense against disasters.