Recurring earthquakes unsettle Iloilo, prompt preparedness push

By Mariela Angella Oladive

In the two weeks since a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City, Cebu, on Sept. 30 and sent tremors across Iloilo and nearby provinces, Ilonggos have felt several brief, non-destructive aftershocks that renewed public anxiety.

While no casualties or major damage have been recorded so far, the repeated shaking has unsettled residents and spurred reflection across the province.

In Anilao, secondary school teacher Aenemar Pama recalled experiencing the most recent tremor, a magnitude 4.2 quake that struck Guimbal, Iloilo, around 6:48 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

“The official report said it was around 6:48 a.m., I was traveling when it happened,” he told Daily Guardian.

“I was fine when I got to school, but I’m worried because there might be aftershocks,” he added.

“What we really worry about is the welfare of our students,” he said.

“We’ve been asked by our Schools Division Superintendent to gather and pray for everyone’s safety,” he added.

He said the experience underscored how vulnerable people are during earthquakes and that events like these should prompt leaders to ensure public safety is never compromised by corruption or negligence.

Parents also voiced concern online and awaited word on possible class suspensions.

A single parent from Pavia who sends her child to school in Iloilo City said, “The most important thing is that my child is safe.”

Students said the recurring tremors have affected them emotionally and mentally.

A grade school student from Iloilo province said, “For me, the frequent earthquakes really affect my studies and my mental health, especially since classes are suspended.”

Another student admitted feeling nervous every time the ground shakes.

Though familiar with the “duck, cover, and hold” rule, the student said his first instinct is often to run outside in panic.

In Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Ke, a virtual assistant working from home, shared her experience during the Cebu quake felt in the city.

“I was on my phone when the shaking started,” she said.

“I thought I was just light-headed until I realized it was an earthquake,” she said.

“My girlfriend and I left the house with our essentials and pets,” she said.

“Later, when I saw the news about the destruction at the epicenter, it hit me how lucky we were,” she said.

“That level of disaster could easily have been ours,” she added.

Meanwhile, trisikad driver Joel said he slept through two of the recent tremors, including the magnitude 4.4 aftershock in Davao that was felt in the city early Monday, Oct. 13.

“I didn’t feel them because I was asleep,” he said.

“But it’s scary — you never know when it will happen again,” he said.

“Better if you’re awake,” he added.

Local governments have heightened vigilance and reviewed safety protocols.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the provincial government is enhancing safety at the 25-year-old Iloilo Provincial Capitol, including constructing an external stairwell and procuring safety equipment for personnel.

Other local governments across the province have also begun strengthening disaster preparedness and response measures.

Also felt across parts of Western Visayas were the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes that struck Manay, Davao Oriental, on Oct. 10.

The Philippines sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which makes it prone to frequent earthquakes.

Preparedness: Staying safe during and after an earthquake.

Disaster officials remind the public that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, their impact can be reduced through awareness and preparation.

The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) recommends the following.

During an earthquake, follow these steps.

• Stay calm and do not panic.
• Drop, cover, and hold on by getting low, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding until the shaking stops.
• Stay away from windows, glass and heavy objects that may fall.
• Once the shaking stops, move carefully to a safe open area away from buildings, power lines and hazards.
• Proceed to designated assembly points.

After an earthquake, take these precautions.

• Stay alert for aftershocks.
• Check your surroundings and inspect your home for cracks or structural damage before reentering.
• Avoid damaged buildings and areas prone to landslides.
• Follow only official advisories from local authorities.
• If you are near the coast and there is a tsunami warning, immediately evacuate to higher ground.