The Biggest Threat

Many Filipinos, particularly the politicians and their supporters, are currently engrossed in earth-shaking exposes on scandals and perceived anomalies that could bring down their opponents way before the May 2016 presidential and local elections. It’s their strategy to promote themselves as the victory-assured and viable leaders of the future. Yet, there are many concerns that are not given much attention by many, which, when they actually happen, could wreak havoc in the lives of a vast population.
The skyrocketing prices of prime commodities, lack of job opportunities and severe unemployment that drive more people into poverty are problems Filipinos have always had to contend with. Then there is the serious power crisis that could stunt the country’s growth and a looming water shortage. But the most serious of these concerns is the threat of a major earthquake which when it happens, could destroy a big part of Metro Manila and nearby areas. Experts have warned that based on their studies the big temblor is about to happen and everybody should prepare for that eventuality.
Following the warning, Sen. Loren Legarda renewed her call in a privilege speech on the Senate floor for the establishment of mechanisms to secure people against a “major earthquake waiting to happen” in Metro Manila. She cited the earthquakes registering between 6 and 6.9-magnitude that jolted central Chile, southern Peru and Northern California, including San Francisco and Bay Area which destroyed properties and injured many people.
”We are just awaiting a big inland earthquake of 7.2-magnitude in Metro Manila which will be triggered by the movement of the West Valley Fault. No one can tell when it will occur but are we prepared for the Big One?” Legarda stressed, adding she will not get tired demanding from concerned government agencies the establishment of mechanisms to secure communities from the devastating effects of disasters such as earthquakes.
Legarda reminded the authorities of a 2004 study by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which revealed the impacts of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila: an estimated 169,000 houses will be destroyed and 340,000 other houses will be damaged. Despite the study and countless warnings, Legarda noted that national and local governments have not done enough to reduce the impact of a strong earthquake.
There is no way to stop the earthquake from happening but knowing that it will happen and it is only a matter of time, the Philippine government should work vigorously on putting together a plan of action for the residents likely to be affected most. Rescue and evacuation centers with provisions for food, water and medicine must be ready for emergency set up. In the same token, the private sector –citizens and businesses, must be educated and informed of their important roles and needed contributions to making the process of saving lives and properties efficient.
There is no room for procrastinations here. The time to act is now!
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