How do Gen Zs prepare for the ‘Big One?’

THE Philippine government is stepping up its plan to ensure the country’s readiness in the event of disasters such as strong earthquakes.

On Wednesday, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that it will launch an infrastructure audit tool that will assess the structural integrity of buildings in the metro. This is part of its preparations for the “Big One,” or a potential 7.2 magnitude earthquake along the West Valley Fault, which poses a threat to the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas.

The DILG announced this after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked Myanmar and other areas in Southeast Asia on March 28, killing thousands of individuals and renewing fears for the “Big One.”

While the government continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness initiatives, members of Generation Z are also taking precautions to ensure their own and their families’ safety should a devastating earthquake hit the country.

Know the drill

In an interview with republicasia, several Gen Z students highlighted the importance of participating in earthquake drills in their schools and communities, which teach them proper response protocols during an earthquake.

In the Philippines, earthquake drills are mandated quarterly under Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 or the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.” 

During this activity, students learn the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure, which instructs them to drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. 

While no one can predict when exactly the “Big One” will strike, 21-year-old student Cezarie Mae Espiritu said it is still better to be aware and prepared.

“It is essential to know emergency procedures like Duck, Cover, and Hold, which is a simple yet effective way to protect ourselves,” Espiritu said.

“Additionally, being familiar with emergency exits and designated evacuation areas is crucial for a safe and orderly evacuation,” she added.

In every earthquake drill conducted in her previous schools, college student Francine Andrei Saboya learned not to panic when a disaster occurs to avoid a stampede.

“Even the company that I’m currently interning in is training us about earthquake preparedness, as well as first-aid procedures,” the 21-year-old marketing student told republicasia.

Senior high school student Sangy Brixy Longaquit stressed that her school taught her “staying calm, thinking clearly, and acting quickly will put us in a good state” amid an earthquake.

Meanwhile, marketing student Christine Aimhie Molato highlighted the vital role of her school and community in helping their students and citizens prepare for the “Big One” by conducting earthquake drills and seminars on natural calamities.

“[These initiatives] emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication during emergencies. [They] are crucial in fostering a culture of preparedness among students and residents alike,” said Molato.

Espiritu shared that there are also training programs for volunteers in her community that equip them with the skills needed in rescue operations and disaster response.

“These training programs ensure that, in times of disaster, responders can act quickly and effectively to assist those in need,” she said.

Prepare an emergency go bag

Filipinos are encouraged to prepare an emergency go bag containing essential items needed for survival during a disaster, including first-aid kits, medical supplies, and hygiene kits.

“Another important aspect of preparedness is having an emergency kit at home stocked with food, water, a flashlight, and first aid supplies,” Espiritu noted.

Molato shared that she always carries a flashlight, whistle, and an alarm attached to her ID lanyard. She also keeps candies in her pocket.

“These items are small but can make a significant difference in a crisis,” she said.

The emergency go bag should also contain the following necessities, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD): 

• Flashlight, candles, matches, and whistle
• Important documents sealed in a waterproof container
• Portable radio and extra batteries
• Spare cash and coins
• Ready-to-eat food and drinking water, enough for three days
• Ropes, old newspapers, and ecobags
• Clothing, raincoat, boots, and sanitary supplies
• Blankets and sleeping bags, or mats

The OCD reminded Filipinos to check and replenish their go bag items every three months.

Assess PH infrastructures

These Gen Z students called on the Philippine government to improve the country’s disaster preparedness plan, and among their suggestions is to invest in earthquake-proof infrastructures, particularly in urban areas like Metro Manila.

The DILG will pilot-test the Harmonized Infrastructure Audit tool, which will be used to “establish a national standard for assessing local public infrastructures, particularly their vulnerability to high-magnitude earthquakes,” according to Interior Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan.

He said the tool will help local government units (LGUs) to identify priority structures subject to infra audits.

The Harmonized Infrastructure Audit tool will be launched in the NCR, Region III (Central Luzon), and Calabarzon.

Iringan also shared that the DILG teamed up with fourth-year and fifth-year engineering students to help assess infrastructures.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) estimated that at least 168,000 buildings would collapse and about 33,000 lives would be lost in a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault.