Marikina conducts citywide earthquake drill for 'The Big One'

The Marikina City government conducted a citywide simultaneous earthquake simulation drill on Monday to prepare residents for the strong quake expected to hit Metro Manila, known as “The Big One.”

“The Big One” refers to a projected magnitude ~7.2 (or higher) earthquake along the West Valley Fault near Metro Manila — a high-impact hazard scenario that scientists warn could cause widespread destruction.

The city government focused on a “family-based” and “community-based” approach wherein government offices, schools, homes, businesses, and other establishments took part in the activity aimed at strengthening community resilience.

Mayor Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro said approximately 100,000 individuals joined from schools, while 50,000 participants came from communities and the private sector.

“Nasa 150,000 ang total ng nag-participate sa ating city-wide earthquake simulation drill—100,000 mula sa schools, samantala nasa 50,000 naman sa communities and private sector,” she said.

“Ang kaligtasan ng lahat ay tungkulin ng bawat isa. Dapat lagi tayong sama-sama at tulong-tulong at buong komunidad. Ito ang tinatawag natin na whole-of-community approach sa iisang layunin — alagaan ang buhay at kaligtasan ng bawat taga-Marikina,” the mayor added.

Teodoro emphasized the importance of conducting citywide earthquake drills not only to inform but to instill urgency, discipline, and bayanihan among residents, especially since parts of Marikina lie on the West Valley Fault Line—a major hotspot for possible earthquake impacts.

As part of the drill, Teodoro inspected the city’s assets, including ambulances, fire trucks, disaster response vehicles, command posts, and field hospitals. She assured residents that the city is equipped with adequate manpower and urban search-and-rescue tools such as vibroscopes—instruments used to detect victims trapped under rubble.

The Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) also identified safe zones across the city for use during calamities like earthquakes, including open spaces in Barangka, Sto. Niño, San Roque, Marikina Heights, and other barangays.

CDRRMO Chief Dave David clarified that these safe zones are general areas for public use, and families should identify open spaces near their homes for quicker evacuation.

“Bawat pamilya, i-identify na ang pinakamalapit na open spaces. Ang mga in-identify namin na safe zones, general areas sila. Hindi naman obligado pumunta kung malayo,” he said.

Before the simulation, Teodoro led a coordination meeting on 16 October with representatives from local and national agencies to ensure the activity was safe, organized, and effective.

“Ginagawa natin ang mga paghahandang ito hindi para manakot, kundi upang maging handa. We can never be ready enough, ngunit tungkulin nating gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya,” she said.