West Valley Fault

The provincial government of Pangasinan has ramped up its efforts to prepare residents for potential tsunami and earthquake hazards, driven by increased seismic activity along the Manila Trench. This proactive approach highlights the importance of disaster preparedness in safeguarding the lives and properties of its coastal communities.

At the forefront of Pangasinan’s disaster readiness initiatives is Project PARAAN (“Pioneering safety, Assessing vulnerabilities, Risk management, Addressing hazards, Achieving resilience, and Navigating challenges”). According to Ron Maegan Equila, a focal person from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the program is specifically designed to enhance tsunami preparedness for communities at risk.

Project PARAAN: A Comprehensive Preparedness Initiative

Key components of Project PARAAN include:

• Earthquake and Tsunami Drills: The PDRRMO has been conducting comprehensive drills across 14 coastal local government units (LGUs) and two other municipalities that could face tsunami threats in the event of an 8.4 magnitude earthquake along the Manila Trench. These drills have already been carried out in Lingayen and Binmaley towns.
• Hazard Susceptibility Marking: Teams go house-to-house, placing hazard susceptibility stickers on residences to prioritize evacuation needs during emergencies.
• Community Education: Coastal LGUs are tasked with disseminating disaster awareness through training sessions and educational drives, ensuring every village is equipped with the knowledge to respond effectively.
• Data-Driven Planning: The project involves detailed data validation with LGUs, identification of hazard zones, 3D mapping, and the listing of evacuation centers to streamline response efforts.

Addressing the Rising Seismic Activity

The urgency of these measures stems from a noticeable uptick in seismic activity in the province. In 2024 alone, 140 earthquakes were recorded, attributed to movements along the Manila Trench. Among the affected areas, Bolinao experienced 45 earthquakes, followed by Agno with 18, Sual with eight, and six each in Infanta and Dasol.

This pattern underscores the critical need for vigilance and preparedness in Pangasinan, where the impact of seismic events can ripple across both human and economic dimensions.

Building Resilient Communities

By implementing initiatives like Project PARAAN, Pangasinan’s government demonstrates a commitment to fostering resilience in its communities. The integration of scientific data, community participation, and structured response strategies positions the province as a model for disaster preparedness.

The government’s focus on education and proactive planning ensures that residents are not only aware of the risks but also equipped to act decisively when disaster strikes. These efforts are a testament to the power of collective action in mitigating the effects of natural calamities.

With continued emphasis on preparedness, Pangasinan is setting a benchmark for other regions to follow, proving that proactive measures save lives and pave the way for a safer future.

Source: PNA