THE RECENT catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar, which claimed the lives of over 1,700 people and left thousands more injured, is a tragic reminder of what can go wrong when disaster preparedness is neglected. While earthquakes are, by nature, unpredictable and destructive, it is clear that poor planning and weak enforcement of safety regulations are the true culprits behind the scale of the devastation.
In contrast to Myanmar, neighboring Thailand faced the same tremor, but buildings there withstood the quake far better, thanks to robust construction standards and a proactive approach to safety. The difference between life and death in these neighboring countries was not the magnitude of the earthquake, but the preparedness of their infrastructure.
Here at home, this should be a wake-up call. The Philippines is not immune to earthquakes. In fact, we are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making us highly susceptible to seismic activity. The recent 7.7-magnitude tremor in Myanmar should remind us that a similar disaster could strike at any moment. In fact, Western Visayas experienced its own historical earthquake, the 7.8 magnitude “Lady Caycay” earthquake in 1948, considered the second strongest in Philippine history. The question is: Are we ready if another one strikes?
For years, the country has faced criticism for failing to implement and enforce safety standards adequately. The National Building Code exists, but it is often violated or ignored due to weak enforcement. Structures — both old and new — can be easily overlooked when safety checks are not rigorous or consistent. And the lack of preparedness in the event of a disaster remains a glaring issue, particularly in regions like Western Visayas.
Local government units (LGUs) and building owners have a critical role to play in ensuring the safety of their communities. Yet, many have neglected to assess their infrastructure for seismic risks, assuming that a major earthquake is a distant threat. This complacency could cost lives.
The experience in Myanmar highlights a critical truth: it is not the earthquake that causes the greatest damage, but the collapse of buildings and infrastructure that are not built or maintained to withstand it. Inadequate land-use policies, lack of retrofitting, and the failure to prioritize disaster-resilient construction practices have exacerbated the effects of natural disasters.
We must learn from Myanmar’s tragedy: Earthquakes may be inevitable, but disasters are not. They are the result of poor planning, lax enforcement, and complacency. Our survival depends on what we do now to prepare — and how seriously we take the lessons of those who did not act in time.
