Mandaluyong City — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is focusing on enhancing earthquake resilience in the National Capital Region (NCR) by promoting stronger collaboration among various stakeholders. This initiative was highlighted during the Dagyaw Open Government town hall meeting, with this year's theme being "Quake-Ready: Forging Metro Manila's Pathway to Earthquake Resilience."
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the event in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, the urgency of enhancing quake resilience is underscored by the Philippines' high disaster risk index scores globally. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reports that the West Valley Fault (WVF), capable of producing a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, has historically moved four times in the last 1,400 years, with intervals of 400 to 600 years, with the last major quake occurring in 1658.
The WVF passes through key areas of Metro Manila including Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, and Muntinlupa, and extends to nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna. Representatives from local government units in these areas, along with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, and Philippine Information Agency in NCR, have partnered with private sector entities like SM Prime Holdings, National Resilience Council, ARISE Philippines, Women's International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction - Philippine Chapter, and Earthquake and Megacities Initiative to form a collaborative effort aimed at building resilience.
The DILG has also advanced its disaster preparedness agenda through "Operation Listo" (Alert), which encompasses protocols to address risks and hazards, including tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and localized weather disturbances. Iringan noted that the Dagyaw meeting served not only as a discussion platform but also as a means to gather insights and recommendations from key actors, document challenges, innovative practices, and milestones in earthquake preparedness and risk reduction, and foster collaboration and partnership through the launch of the Metro Manila Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Resilience Network.
"Dagyaw," a Hiligaynon term meaning togetherness, is aimed at promoting a responsive, transparent, and accountable government. This initiative is part of the DILG's commitment under the Philippine National Action Plan in the Open Government Partnership, striving to ensure that all voices are heard in governmental affairs.