Week of Sept 26 – Oct 2, 2026

Focus: Preparedness Systems Put to the Test | Issue #015

---

---

Executive Summary

This week’s strongest preparedness developments center on operational readiness and expansion of resilience systems. National security and emergency-response agencies launched a three-day “Big One” exercise under a major West Valley Fault earthquake scenario, while Metro Manila’s public-school retrofit pipeline expanded through new PSRRRP procurement packages.

At the local-government level, Baguio approved a ₱213.7-million 2027 multi-hazard disaster-resilience investment plan that includes integrated geohazard mapping, preparedness activities, structural-repair projects, school DRR, evacuation measures and risk communication. Caloocan also moved forward with a ₱20-million citywide early-warning system expansion covering installation, commissioning, supply, delivery and user training.

Operational preparedness was visible in other settings as well. Calapan Port remained safe and operational after the September 30 Occidental Mindoro earthquake and highlighted evacuation, personnel accountability, facility-condition assessment and established emergency procedures. DOST-PHIVOLCS and partners also announced a Metro Manila tsunami-awareness campaign focused on coastal communities exposed to hazards associated with the Manila Trench.

Earthquake Activity This Week: The supplied PHIVOLCS monitor recorded 0 earthquakes of Magnitude 5.0 or greater during September 26–October 2, 2026. The September 30 Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro earthquake was finalized by PHIVOLCS at Mw 4.8 and therefore does not qualify for the Weekly Report’s M5.0+ activity table.

---

30-Second Takeaway

• PNP, AFP and PCG launched Sanlakas 02-2026, a three-day operational-readiness exercise under a major West Valley Fault earthquake scenario.
• New PSRRRP packages expanded active public-school seismic-retrofit procurement into Las Piñas and additional Manila school buildings.
• Baguio approved a ₱213.7-million 2027 multi-hazard disaster-resilience investment plan with earthquake-relevant mapping, preparedness and structural-repair components.
• Caloocan advanced a ₱20-million early-warning system expansion, while Calapan Port demonstrated operational earthquake-response procedures after September 30 shaking.

---

Don’t Just Read About Earthquakes—Prepare for Them.

---