They KNEW This Was Coming to the Philippines!

A deadly earthquake just rocked parts of Southeast Asia... and now experts are warning that the Philippines could be next. Why isn’t anyone talking about this? Why are millions of Filipinos being left in the dark while sitting right on top of one of the most dangerous fault lines on Earth? In this video, we break down the terrifying reality of living in the Pacific Ring of Fire, what could happen to cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao, and why this ticking time bomb might be closer to going off than anyone wants to admit. If you live in the Philippines—or love someone who does—you need to hear this.

What makes you happy?

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR

Apr 2, 2025 02:54 AM 

OF TREES AND FOREST

(Part I)

A few days ago, March 20 to be exact, the World Happiness Report 2025 was launched. That day, March 20, was International Day of Happiness. The United Nations website described the report as a document that “features a ranking of countries by their average levels of life satisfaction…followed by six chapters looking at ‘caring and sharing’ from different angles.” And yes, to all the cynics out there, the World Happiness Report and the International Day of Happiness are not flimsy gimmicks concocted by some people wanting to take advantage. They were actually based on a United Nations General Assembly Resolution (66/281) adopted in 2012.

The resolution was a short document, barely a whole page, but contained powerful words and vision. I read it and the most powerful part was the preamble, which in part, declared “that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal,” and recognized “the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.”

I was reading the document online and kept going back to those statements. I realized that there are times when we make some things so complicated we forget the most fundamental element of life—to be happy. When I was in the Philippine Legislature we would often have debates and discussions about policies that involved rather complicated language and ideas. We would argue over statistics, over the phrasing of words, sometimes even over dates and, especially money. But when you think about it, it is really all about happiness. 

Perhaps it goes with the passage of time but when I was young things were simple. I remember there were a few things that made me happy. The smell of coffee early in the morning as I prepared to accompany my Nanay Curing to the market is a remembrance that never fails to make me smile. So was the memory of my mother holding my hand as we walk early in the morning to Divisoria. As a kid, I enjoyed playing with other kids running around the streets of Tondo pulling a string with a can of Rosebowl sardines at the end of it. But most of the time, I was really happy just sitting by our window observing the people in our community walk by or watching the clouds in the sky. 

I realized that even to this day I maintained those habits albeit in a different manner. I still love the smell of coffee in the morning (or any time of the day, really). I still enjoy sitting in one of the Coffee Project’s branches and watch people enjoy walking around Vista Mall. 

The point I am making is that despite all the complications of our lives it really all boils down to one thing—happiness. A mother who goes through everything just to be able to go abroad and work; a father who endures hellish traffic conditions just to get to work on time; a government worker who works very hard for very little pay, have one thing in common: they all want to make their loved ones happy.

In the 2025 World Happiness Report, the Philippines ranked 57th with an Average Life Evaluation of 6.1/10. This is a pretty good ranking considering that this is a global report. The methodology used for the global ranking is in itself very interesting. According to the World Happiness Report website, it was based on a single life evaluation question: Please imagine a ladder with steps numbered from 0 at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you personally feel you stand at this time?

How would you answer the question? Which step of the ladder of happiness are you standing on now? (mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com)

Reducing risk, severity of damage when ‘The Big One’ strikes

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 2, 2025 02:55 AM 

 

The recent series of devastating earthquakes in Myanmar, Thailand, and Tonga should serve as harsh reminders of the vulnerability of seismic hotspots like the Philippines. These events highlight the unpredictability and catastrophic consequences of earthquakes, especially in countries like ours, which sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

With the devastating effects of the tremors, we must consider the inevitable: the West Valley Fault which is primed for another major earthquake or the so-called “The Big One.” With its potential to wreak havoc on Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, the question remains: Are we truly ready?
A study of the West Valley Fault conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2004 showed that in a worst case scenario, a 7.2-magnitude quake in Metro Manila would cause severe damage to infrastructure and result in a death toll of over 30,000 to 50,000 and over 160,000 serious injuries.

With this in mind, the government must prioritize and accelerate its efforts to prepare the country for the eventuality of a large-scale earthquake. One of the most critical aspects of this preparation lies in strengthening our infrastructure. A significant issue is that many of our buildings are still not built to withstand the magnitude of tremors expected from an earthquake along the West Valley Fault. While modern regulations call for earthquake-resistant construction, enforcement is often inconsistent. Buildings and infrastructures must be thoroughly assessed, reinforced, and, where necessary, retrofitted to meet seismic standards.

To address this, government agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council must not only intensify inspections but also impose stricter penalties for non-compliance with building codes. Ensuring that all new constructions adhere to earthquake-resilient designs is essential, but the government's efforts should not end there. Retrofitting old and poorly constructed buildings in key areas, particularly in Metro Manila where the population density is highest, should be an urgent priority. The recent earthquake in Tonga, which caused only minor damage despite being a magnitude 7.0 event, underscores the importance of earthquake-proofing even for the most resilient infrastructure.

Local government units must be proactive in conducting public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the risks and responses in case of an earthquake. This includes teaching people how to evacuate safely, recognize early warning signs, and take shelter during tremors. Schools, hospitals, and offices should conduct regular drills and simulations to prepare the public for "The Big One." With the knowledge that the Philippines is constantly at risk of earthquakes above magnitude 7, public education becomes an essential part of disaster readiness. 

Preparation should extend beyond knowledge. Every Filipino household must have an emergency plan in place, including readily accessible emergency kits with basic supplies such as water, food, first-aid, flashlights, and batteries. Families should also identify safe spaces within their homes—areas that will offer the most protection in the event of a quake. This personal preparedness can significantly reduce panic and confusion when disaster strikes.
The reality of preparing for “The Big One” is that it requires long-term commitment and substantial investment. By ensuring buildings adhere to regulations, strengthening emergency preparedness, and fostering a culture of resilience, we can minimize the impact of such a catastrophic event.

The clock is ticking. Every delay in strengthening our infrastructure or educating our citizens about earthquake preparedness moves us closer to the inevitable. Therefore, we must become proactive in our efforts to protect lives and property. With the right policies, rigorous enforcement, and a unified approach to disaster preparedness, we can reduce the risk and severity of damage when the "Big One" inevitably strikes.