Look out for each other

WHERE were you when the ground began to tremble last Thursday, October 9?Maybe you were at home, feeling the floor lurch beneath you as the building groaned in protest. Maybe you were driving, wondering why your car was suddenly shaking as if all four tires had gone flat at once. For a few seconds that felt like an eternity, our city held its breath. That powerful earthquake wasn’t just another news alert; it was a deeply personal jolt that ran through every one of us. It was a stark reminder from the earth that while we live in a place of incredible beauty, it is also a land that demands our respect and preparation.Now that the main shock has passed, though the unnerving aftershocks continue to remind us, let’s talk about what we can do. Let’s act not with fear, but with a renewed sense of care for our families and neighborsFor those living stories high in our city’s condos, the experience is uniquely terrifying. Every instinct might scream at you to run, but experts are clear: the safest thing you can do is stay put. Modern buildings are engineered to be like bamboo, they are designed to sway and flex so they don’t break. Fleeing down crowded stairs while the building is still moving is far more dangerous. Instead, find a sturdy table or desk. The simple drill instilled in us through countless simulations remains your best defense: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.Immediately after the tremor, our attention turned to the students in our schools and universities. Thankfully, there have been no reports of major injuries, and most students and teachers evacuated safely. However, social media posts showing structures with peeling walls and falling debris are a sobering reminder of the potential danger.For every parent, the first thought during the quake was, “Are my kids okay?” This is why we must give a heartfelt thank you to our teachers. The earthquake drills they practice are not just routines; they are life-saving lessons. When a teacher calmly instructs their students to get under their desks, they replace fear with action. Seeing videos of students praying together was a touching display of faith and unity in a moment of crisis.Can you imagine being a patient, unable to move from your bed, when the world starts to shake? Or a nurse responsible for tiny babies in the nursery? Our hospitals must be the safest places in our city, and our healthcare workers are true heroes. They run toward danger to shield patients and secure vital equipment. Their bravery reminds us how crucial it is for our medical centers to have strong, well-practiced earthquake plans to protect the most vulnerable among us.When disaster strikes, we look to our local government to lead and protect. The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 is in place to ensure a coordinated response to natural calamities. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), along with local government units, is tasked with leading rescue efforts, providing relief, and managing evacuation centers, equipped with resources like the Calamity Fund to provide immediate assistance.We are no strangers to powerful earthquakes. Experience has taught us that a well-built home can save a family and that knowing our neighbors can mean the difference between being alone and being rescued.This is where our Filipino spirit of bayanihan shines. Let this be a reminder to check on the elderly couple living next door. Let’s help them prepare a small emergency “go-bag” with a flashlight, water, and basic supplies. Let’s ensure our own family has a simple plan: where to meet if we get separated and who to call.The earthquake tested our buildings, but it revealed the strength of our community. Let’s turn this experience into a promise to one another: to be prepared, to stay calm, and to always look out for each other.