President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday underscored the need for greater disaster preparedness following a string of earthquakes that recently struck several parts of the country.

In his latest vlog, Marcos said every Filipino must know what to do before, during, and after emergencies to minimize loss of life and property.

“More than resilience or responding, being prepared is more important,” he said in Filipino.

The President noted that recent earthquakes caused significant destruction in Cebu, Baguio, Surigao, Davao, Zambales, and Metro Manila.

“Our countrymen have suffered a lot of damage. The destruction was huge because the earthquake destroyed buildings and homes. That’s why our response had to be different,” he said.

Marcos said the country’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

“Whether it’s an earthquake or a volcanic eruption, we need to further strengthen our disaster preparedness and response,” he said.

Marcos advised families to have a contingency plan in case of disasters and to make sure all members, including house helpers, know evacuation routes and designated meeting points.

Through such plans, he said, even those who are away from home during emergencies will know where to go. He also urged parents to teach children what to do in the event of an earthquake.