Manila must prioritize disaster readiness and coordination instead of succumbing to fear, as preparedness remains the best defense against a large earthquake such as “The Big One,” Science and Technology Secretary and Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said.

Speaking at the keynote session of “The Big One: What LGU Manila Needs to Know,” during the opening of the Executive Course on the Incident Command System, Solidum stressed that readiness must begin with knowledge, coordination, and empowerment at every level of local governance.

He warned that the Manila Trench — an active plate boundary west of Luzon capable of producing magnitude 8.5 to 9.0 earthquakes — remains one of the city’s most serious offshore threats. A resulting tsunami could reach Manila’s coast within an hour of impact.

The course, attended by city department heads, hospital directors, and police commanders, is part of preparations for citywide earthquake drills ordered by Mayor Isko Moreno under the Make Manila Great Again development framework.

“What we need to do is really prepare,” Solidum told participants. “We need to empower you — and the people under your supervision — so they can identify the most appropriate solutions in your areas.”

He noted that while Manila is not located directly above an active fault, its soft soil makes it vulnerable to strong ground shaking.

“If the West Valley Fault moves with a magnitude-7.2 earthquake, Manila may experience Intensity 8 shaking,” Solidum said.