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Enhanced Earthquake Preparedness Nationwide: Department of National Defense Orders Review of Contingency Plans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has called for enhanced earthquake preparedness nationwide, following two major earthquakes that rocked Davao Oriental last October 10. Teodoro, who is also chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, has instructed the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and other member agencies to boost coordination with local government units (LGUs) in regions unaffected by the recent earthquakes in Davao and Cebu. The review of local contingency plans is also being conducted to ensure that disaster protocols of LGUs are validated and up-to-date. The LGUs are urged to conduct wide-scale earthquake drills in public areas such as schools, government offices, and other facilities to strengthen readiness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has ordered the review of local contingency plans to ensure that disaster protocols of local government units (LGUs) are validated and up-to-date.
  • The LGUs are urged to conduct wide-scale earthquake drills in public areas such as schools, government offices, and other facilities to strengthen readiness.
  • Two major earthquakes with magnitudes 7.4 and 6.8 struck Davao Oriental, which may be considered as a "doublet earthquake" with distinct or different earthquakes in almost the same area.
  • As of October 12, the earthquakes have affected 125,283 families or 491,258 individuals across the regions of Davao and Caraga.
  • The earthquakes resulted in eight reported deaths and 395 injuries.
  • 2,155 houses and 273 structures sustained damaged, with the total estimated cost amounting to PHP100 million.

Statistics:

  • 125,283 families or 491,258 individuals affected by the earthquakes in Davao and Caraga.
  • 253 reported casualties, including eight deaths and 395 injuries.
  • 2,155 houses and 273 structures damaged, with an estimated cost of PHP100 million.
  • Magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes struck Davao Oriental, which may be considered as a "doublet earthquake".

Sources:

  • Philippines News agency, October 13, 2025.
  • Office of Civil Defense (OCD) statement, October 12, 2025.
  • Phivolcs press release, October 12, 2025.

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