The Philippines is no stranger to shaking ground — but October 2025 has been different. More restless. More alarming.
Since September 30, the country has experienced a series of earthquakes, both minor tremors and significant jolts, that have rippled through Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. And even though the month isn’t halfway over, hundreds of seismic events have already been recorded.
According to real-time alerts from the LastQuake App (you should download this app! developed by EMSC and designed by Helena Bukovac & Arian Bozorg), over a hundred tremors — many registering significant magnitudes — have shaken Philippine soil in just a few weeks. For many, it’s become part of daily conversation: the quiet vibration underfoot, the sudden shaking during work, the collective moment of holding one’s breath.
But fear is not the only appropriate response. Preparedness is.
Top 5 Things to Do During an Earthquake
1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
Immediately lower yourself to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
2. Stay Indoors.
Unless the building is unsafe, don’t run outside — most injuries occur from falling debris near exits.
3. Keep Away from Glass and Heavy Objects.
Move away from windows, mirrors, or anything that can shatter or topple.
4. Protect Your Head and Neck.
Use your arms or any available cushion to shield vital areas from falling debris.
5. Stay Calm and Alert.
Your state of mind will influence those around you. Clear thinking saves lives.
Top 5 Things to Prepare Before an Earthquake
1. Emergency Go Bag.
Include water, food, flashlight, whistle, medicines, extra batteries, and important documents.
2. Communication Plan.
Agree with family members where to meet and how to contact each other if lines go down.
3. Secure Your Home.
Anchor heavy furniture, check gas lines, and clear exit paths.
4. Know the Safe Spots.
Identify sturdy tables or interior walls where you can take cover in each room.
5. Download Alert Apps.
Tools like LastQuake provide valuable seconds to prepare. Seconds matter.
5 Mindsets in the Middle of the Shake
1. Breathe and Stay Grounded. Don’t panic — think.
2. Lead or Listen. Follow practiced drills or guide those who need help.
3. Focus on Safety, Not Possessions. Objects can be replaced. Lives can’t.
4. Keep Communication Short and Clear. Relay only important information.
5. Be Ready for Aftershocks. Earthquakes rarely come alone.
The Big One — A Reality, Not a Myth
When Filipinos speak of “The Big One,” they refer to the projected major earthquake along the West Valley Fault, a 100-kilometer fault line that cuts through Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the fault is capable of generating a magnitude 7.2 earthquake — strong enough to cause severe ground shaking, massive infrastructure damage, and widespread disruption.
The West Valley Fault runs through several densely populated areas, including:
• Bulacan: San Jose del Monte
• Rizal: Rodriguez (Montalban), San Mateo
• Quezon City: Batasan Hills, Loyola Grand Villas, and surrounding barangays
• Marikina City
• Pasig City
• Taguig City
• Muntinlupa City
• Laguna: San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba
PHIVOLCS warns that ground rupture can occur along this line during a major event. The last major movement of the West Valley Fault happened more than 300 years ago. Since the fault moves roughly every 400 years, experts emphasize that preparedness—not panic—is the most responsible response.
Government agencies have repeatedly urged residents and LGUs in these cities to retrofit structures, conduct earthquake drills, and establish evacuation plans.
The Big One isn’t a matter of if, but when. And being informed is the first line of defense.
A Closing Note: Awareness and Mobility
Earthquakes are reminders — that the ground beneath us is alive, and that preparation is never wasted. In a country like the Philippines, where fault lines crisscross like veins under the surface, awareness isn’t paranoia. It’s responsibility.
Download the apps. Practice the drills. Secure the spaces where you live. Share the knowledge.
Because when the ground moves again — and it will — the difference between panic and survival is often measured in what you did before the shaking began.
by Othello
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