To equip the province of Eastern Samar against major seismic hazards, DOST-Phivolcs spearheaded a comprehensive disaster preparedness symposium titled “Prepared for the Bigger Ones” at Melinda’s Farm & Restaurant in Borongan City on July 3, 2026.
The high-level initiative aimed to translate technical scientific knowledge into actionable community resilience, convening local officials, disaster risk reduction experts, and civic leaders to establish collaborative safety frameworks.
During the briefings, Scientist I Jeffrey S. Perez, OIC of the Geologic Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Division at DOST-Phivolcs, underscored the urgency of the event by identifying a critical seismic gap along the Philippine Trench between Borongan and Guiuan.
He explained that because this specific segment has been locked and accumulating immense tectonic pressure for years, a potential rupture could trigger an estimated nine-meter tsunami along the coast.
This vulnerability is further compounded by several active local fault lines cutting across the province.
To mitigate these risks, Perez and other Phivolcs officials outlined structural and environmental strategies for local government units.
They urged immediate action on stricter building permit enforcement, the construction of elevated rescue facilities, and the installation of engineering defenses like sea walls and flood gates.
They also advocated for eco-protective solutions, including the preservation of mangroves and coral reefs, alongside the deployment of active DOST-supported localized safety projects.
The symposium concluded with strong policy commitments from top provincial leaders to sustain these safety measures.
In his message of support, Gov. RV Evardone reinforced the province’s dedication to long-term disaster awareness and proactive infrastructure projects.
He emphasized that these coordinated efforts are vital to safeguarding vulnerable coastal populations from future tectonic events.(SEJ-GBP)
