The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) organized the second nationwide earthquake drill for 2019. The ceremonial pressing of the button triggering the launch of the drill was held by the National Risk Reduction and Management Council and local officials at Bayugan City Hall, Agusan del sur.  PHIVOLCS continues in urging the public to be well-prepared for earthquakes, especially the Big One, which is a massive temblor predicted to strike Metro Manila and other areas at any time in the future. 

In a statement, PHIVOLCS asserts “DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that any active faults that have not generated, historical surface-rupturing events have higher potential to generate a large earthquake also known as ‘The Big One,’ which can significantly affect different areas in the Philippines,”

Various government institutions, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), participated during the drill last June 20, 2019. MGB employees evacuated their posts swiftly in a calm manner, with everyone gathering at the empty lot beside the Petrolab building. MGB continues to promote awareness and preparedness during times of calamity by participating in the nationwide drills.

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division

MGB employees during the second quarter 2019 earthquake drill.