Palace urges gov’t, private agencies, LGUs to join in Metro Manila quake drill

The Malacañang Palace (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Malacanang has enjoined all government and private agencies and local government units (LGUs) to participate in the synchronized Metro Manila-wide earthquake drill on Thursday.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. signed memorandum circular (MC) No. 79 according heads of government departments and LGUs discretion to exempt their respective officials and employees who will participate in the drill from observing regular office hours and/or performing their duties without prejudice to the regular and efficient delivery of government services.

“The private sector, including volunteer and civic organizations, is hereby encouraged to participate and assist in the implementation of the MC as the exigencies and circumstances may require,” he said in the memorandum.

Ochoa said the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) headed by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Francis Tolentino shall prepare a schedule of activities and implement a synchronized earthquake drill.

He said the MMRDDMC, in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), shall also coordinate all earthquake drill initiatives of all LGUs in Metro Manila.

Ochoa underscored the need for the country to prepare for earthquakes with magnitude up to 7.2 which may cause significant damages and fatalities.

He said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology represents that the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault Line, which traverses cities and towns in Metro Manila, is considered to be ripe for movement.

“We ask the public to cooperate in the exercise… It will be good and beneficial for all of us to be trained as to how to respond to a situation like an earthquake,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a Palace press briefing.