Iloilo City Declares Full Readiness for Earthquake Response

The Iloilo City government has affirmed its full preparedness to respond effectively in the event of an earthquake.

Mayor Jerry Treñas has ensured that the city has the necessary resources, from trained personnel to advanced rescue equipment, to manage potential disasters.

“Definitely, makahambal kami nga we are prepared if ever, wala ta napangayo, an earthquake happens and may ma-collapse nga structures,” said Darwin Joemil Papa, Disaster Response Division chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Unit of the CDRRMO recently conducted a maintenance check of all rescue equipment and confirmed the city’s readiness.

Iloilo City is equipped with specialized tools for horizontal and vertical extrication, including rescue cutters, bunker gear, thermal cameras, gas monitors, and more.

More importantly, the city has skilled specialists to operate the equipment, led by USAR Unit chief Darryl Darwyn Thulasidas, a U.S.-certified responder under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

City responders are also trained and certified in USAR and Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) through the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The CDRRMO has a wide roster of earthquake response personnel, including a FEMA structural collapse specialist, a FEMA hazardous material specialist, CSSR technicians, IRATA rope access technicians, medical staff, and general responders.

The USAR Unit conducts weekend drills and trains on a specialized platform designed to simulate zero visibility, confined spaces, and dust- and smoke-filled environments.

“With all the resources nga may ara kita, we can deploy three to four teams composed of 30 responders,” Papa said.

He added that the city is working with the Bureau of Fire Protection on joint exercises to enhance familiarity with specialized rescue equipment across all responding agencies.

Through strong public-private partnerships, the city receives support from heavy industry partners and volunteer groups such as the Federation Iloilo Fire Brigade Inc. and the Iloilo Citizens Action Group Inc.

The local government also emphasizes public education as key to minimizing risks during earthquakes.

Papa said staying calm is crucial, and residents should perform the “drop, cover, and hold” position during the shaking.

After the shaking stops, he advised moving to a safe location and notifying authorities.

“And lastly, panugyan gid naton nga palihog whatever it is nga nabilin sa sulod sang building, bisan ano pa na ka mahal, bisan ano pa ka importante, indi ta anay pagbalikan until wala madeklarar nga safe,” he reminded. (City Hall PR)