Another quake

On Friday morning many individuals found themselves with almost the same feeling that happened on September 30, 2025 when the quake struck Bogo City. However, at this time, it was in the daytime and the epicenter was located in Davao Oriental. As of this time, we are seeing photos of destruction and individual reports of death. The big picture is yet to be determined as the responders and the local government unit continue to scour the area for assessment.

Many are saying that this may be a message from a higher being or a sign. Elders believe that the quake is a natural occurrence caused by some mythical creature from below. The experts tell us that it is about the tectonic plates moving and that it is affecting our country which is above the Pacific Ring of Fire. Whatever it is, it is high time that we look at our preparedness and resiliency.

For instance, many universities are finding themselves in limbo on what to do now that aftershocks are sure to occur from time to time. Other local government units are also grappling with speed when it comes to response, and the word war on social media continues. The most affected are the residents awaiting the decisions of those who are in position, while their feelings of anxiety and fear continue. I wonder if we will ever see the day when there’s an automatic response to whatever disaster, without having to experience downtime or “dead air.” The silence becomes deafening while their stomachs continue to sound in hunger.

Disasters have always been our constant reminder that nature moves of its own accord. Each time it strikes it exposes how unready we remain. We talk about “building back better”, but often, it is the same cycle of promises, relief operations, and temporary shelters. People rebuild homes out of necessity, not safety. Then, the next disaster comes, and the story repeats.

It makes one wonder how far we have gone learning from the past. We have faced Yolanda, Odette, and countless others. Each with lessons written in broken walls and lost lives. Still, every new tragedy brings the same chaos, confusion, and lack of coordination. It’s not that we don’t know what to do; it’s that we keep forgetting to do it before it’s too late.

Maybe what we need isn’t only preparedness in drills and paperwork but also preparedness of the heart and mind. We need leaders who can decide without waiting for orders, and citizens who act not just out of fear but out of care for others. The ground may shake, but our humanity shouldn’t waver.

If another quake reminds us of anything, it’s that life can change in seconds. The challenge is what we do in the minutes, hours, and days after because those moments define whether we truly rise, or simply endure.