Increased Earthquake Readiness: A Call for Regular Workplace Drills
Amid a string of powerful earthquakes that rattled various parts of the Philippines, a House deputy speaker has urged private companies to make earthquake preparedness a routine part of work life. Representative Raymond Democrito Mendoza of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines party-list says holding more frequent drills will help workers develop crucial “muscle memory” for fast, safe responses when disaster strikes.
“Beyond seemingly token and ceremonial compliance, we should make preparedness a habit and earthquake readiness a work culture,” Mendoza said. He recommends that companies hold at least two drills per month to reinforce proper safety procedures among employees and to reduce risk during future quakes.
Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is prone to frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. Mendoza stressed that this regional geography makes earthquake drills not just prudent but essential. “Readiness for earthquakes should be second nature for citizens of a country that sits on the Ring of Fire,” he noted, underscoring the stakes for workers every day on the job.
Turning Drills into a Workplace Habit
The lawmaker argued that preparedness should extend beyond purity of form in corporate manuals. He urged that earthquake response protocols be embedded as a regular topic in labor-management dialogues, ensuring both employers and workers view safety as a shared priority and right.
“Wala dapat pilitan sa pagtatrabaho lalo na kung nasa peligro ang kanilang buhay mismo,” Mendoza said, using a local expression to emphasize that workers should never have to choose between safety and productivity. By normalizing drills, employers can help ensure employees know how to evacuate, locate safe assembly points, and assist colleagues who may need extra help during an emergency.
Recent Seismic Activity and Government Response
The call for more drills comes in the wake of significant seismic events within the past two weeks. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu on September 30, resulting in 74 deaths and hundreds of injuries. On October 9 and 10, Northern Luzon and Mindanao experienced additional tremors, including 4.4 and 7.4 magnitude events off the coast of Luzon and Davao Oriental. The twin quakes in Davao Oriental and subsequent aftershocks amplified concerns about public safety and emergency readiness. In response, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council activated response clusters and ordered heightened caution across affected regions.
In addition to government action, Mendoza’s proposal emphasizes active private-sector participation. The private sector can complement government efforts by ensuring that workplace safety policies are dynamic and effective, with drills that mimic real-life scenarios, involve all shifts, and address language and accessibility needs so no employee is left unprepared.
Practical Steps for Companies
For organizations considering an upgrade to their safety programs, Mendoza’s guidance translates into concrete actions:
- Schedule at least two certified earthquake drills per month across all departments and shifts.
- Integrate drills with labor-management discussions to keep safety on the official agenda.
- Incorporate role-based training for floor supervisors, facilities staff, and frontline workers.
- Review and update evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication plans after every drill.
- Provide clear, multilingual safety briefings and accessible drills for workers with disabilities.
As the country continues to endure aftershocks and the threat of future earthquakes remains, the push for stronger, routine preparedness could save lives. Making earthquake readiness a standard workplace practice benefits employees, employers, and communities alike, turning potential chaos into a well-coordinated, life-preserving response.
