THE city government of Manila conducted an earthquake drill in Intramuros on Friday to strengthen the city’s “muscle memory” in the event of a major earthquake.
Mayor Isko Moreno led the initiative, signaling the start of the drill by activating the city’s emergency siren.
He told The Manila Times that the initiative marked the beginning of a series of earthquake drills and was a product of a meeting with Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. back in October 2025, where the secretary urged local leaders in the city to take proactive steps to prepare for “The Big One.”
“Through practice and muscle memory, we may limit the possibility of casualties by being prepared,” Moreno said.
During the drill, thermal imaging, drone technology, and real-time communication systems were also tested to demonstrate how these tools locate individuals trapped under collapsed buildings or hard-to-reach areas.
Moreno said these tools are vital during emergencies, providing responders with a visual understanding of affected areas.
“In a real-time scenario, you can come up with better decisions because you have a visual situation of what is happening,” Moreno said.
He added that thermal imaging tools can help determine if survivors are still inside collapsed structures, allowing responders to guide individuals to safety more effectively.
“We need to prepare more and more. Quakes can strike in the morning, afternoon, evening, or at any time. Whether you’re in the middle of the road, at home, or in the kitchen, you have to be ready,” he said, emphasizing that more drills will be conducted in different parts of the city soon.
