ILOILO CITY — A day after a magnitude 4.2 earthquake shook Iloilo, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. moved swiftly to strengthen the province’s defenses against future tremors by pushing for a more advanced seismic monitoring network and faster warning systems.

Defensor met with top officials from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST–PHIVOLCS) Central Office to explore ways to upgrade Iloilo’s earthquake alert infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Senior Science Research Specialist Engr. Melchor Lasala and Science Research Assistant John Paul Fallarme, along with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Admin and Training Division Chief Dr. Alfonso Baldonado III.

The governor emphasized that enhancing the province’s seismic monitoring network and alarm systems is critical for rapid disaster response and public safety. He sought PHIVOLCS’ technical assistance in improving the province’s existing Intensity Meter installed at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and in exploring real-time monitoring tools that can provide quicker, more accurate earthquake data.

“We must always be ahead of the next disaster,” Defensor said, underscoring the importance of technology and preparedness in saving lives.

During the meeting, Defensor also asked PHIVOLCS whether the recent string of earthquakes in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao might be linked. Engr. Lasala explained that the tremors are part of normal geological activity, saying “the movement of trenches nationwide is an indication that the Earth is alive.” He added that aftershocks from recent quakes could continue for several weeks.

The push for stronger quake monitoring comes as the country experiences a wave of seismic activity. On 30 September, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Bogo City in Cebu, followed by twin tremors measuring 7.4 and 6.8 that hit Manay, Davao Oriental on 10 October.

Then on 15 October, Iloilo’s Guimbal town recorded a magnitude 4.2 quake, felt across parts of the province — a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability as it sits within the seismically active Philippine archipelago.

PHIVOLCS earlier noted that the country, being on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences at least 30 earthquakes daily — most too weak to be felt but enough to justify constant vigilance.

With Defensor’s call for smarter systems and faster alerts, Iloilo is taking a proactive stance — turning lessons from recent tremors into a blueprint for stronger, tech-driven disaster readiness.