• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government is slated to conduct a province-wide structural assessment of all its buildings, in the wake of reports by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) that the Negros Trench is capable of generating a magnitude 8.2 earthquake.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that he will also ask local government units to do the same in their respective towns and cities.
Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol, who was among the officials attending the three-day Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas Expo 2025 (Visayas Leg) held on October 27 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, warned that the “magnitude 8.2 event, and if it is shallow, it could generate tsunami, and will affect the western coastlines of Negros and Panay, even Zamboanga and Palawan.”
The Negros Trench is an oceanic trench located northeast of the Sulu Trench and west of the Negros Island Region in the Visayas.
Last month, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit the northern portion of Cebu, which was also felt in Negros Island while Davao Oriental was jolted by a magnitude 7.4 quake.
Asked if Negros Occidental is ready for the so called “Big One”, Lacson replied “we should not say we’re ready, because we might get what we want to.”
While we always hope that it will not happen, we should be prepared, the governor said.
PHIVOLCS records show that the Philippines experiences 30 earthquakes a day, and in most cases not felt by humans, but only recorded by its instruments.
Lacson said it is possible that the discovery of a sinkhole and ground cracks in Sipalay, which is near the Negros Trench, was triggered by the earthquakes.
He noted that Sipalay City experienced more earthquakes, compared to other LGUs in Negros Occidental.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) pushed for a unified Visayas towards disaster preparedness and climate resilience at the opening of the Handa Pilipinas-Visayas Leg at SMX Convention Center on Monday.
The three-day exposition, themed “Padayon Visayas: Science, Technology and Innovation for Resilient, United, and Sustainable Visayas,” is part of the national campaign of the DOST to strengthen public awareness, promote collaboration, and build resilient and sustainable communities across the country.
In his keynote speech, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the event’s theme captures the collective spirit of strength and perseverance that defines the Visayan people.
“They are steadfast in the face of challenges, and forward-looking in harnessing science and technology to build a better, safer tomorrow,” he said.
DOST-Negros Island Region Director Rowen Gelonga said the recent earthquakes, flooding, and the ongoing activity of Kanlaon Volcano are reminders of the continuing vulnerability of Visayas to natural hazards.
“These events underscore the emergency of developing science-based, technology-driven, and community-centered solutions,” he said.* with PNA reports
