A massive earthquake drill was conducted Friday in Metro Manila. This was due to what happened in Ormoc City and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that could happen anytime in the Metro to be caused by the West Valley Fault. Such shaker is long overdue and while we in the Cordillera would be safe from it, the expected damage in Metro Manila would be humongous—and how would you be if you were there when it happens?
Don’t take the answer to this question for granted. We have become so mobile that you just might find yourself in the middle of any of the cities there when the ground starts shaking and buildings start crumbling. For instance, Metro Manila is just a wink away for the remote towns of Besao and Sagada. All they have to do is get into the airconditioned bus that leaves Sagada late in the day and when they wake up they would already be in Quezon City. For Baguio residents, all it takes is to hop into a car and in three and one-half hours (the length of time it takes to wrap up a serious lunch meeting) they would be in the Metro.
And you don’t get promoted, nor will your business or career get turbo-charged if you don’t frequent that megalopolis.
Thus many Cordillerans go to Metro Manila as if they were just going to Burhham Park.
If you were an OFW or a Filipino expat in other parts of the world, there is that very good chance you will have to pass through the Metro before you reach home-sweet-home and get those warm hugs from loved ones.
So our above-mentioned question begets more questions. If it happens when you will be there, would you know your way around? Chances are you will have to walk for miles and miles (the LRT and MRT would be down and traffic would be at a standstill, communication facilities would be dead) to get a shelter in a relative’s or friend’s house, or in your second home. The situation even gets more complicated if it happens at night, or even worse, if during a stormy night.
Preparation of course is the answer. Have some maps you can follow if you don’t know the Metro like your palms, have some IDs in your pockets and persons to notify in case rescuers will have to call somebody, and have some extra maintenance pills (and other meds) if you are not young anymore.
Think, imagine and pray hard and you will feel more comfortable for being prepared or ready.**