"Use your imagination to picture out effects of disasters and imagine what to do to counter and recover right away," Dr. Solidum said.
Solidum also stressed to local government chiefs that they should also imagine the consequences that disasters may bring.
"Imagine the consequence. We need to make sure we are prepared. There will still be damages. But we can plan ahead to respond to it. We also need to have a recovery time set for especially for important facilities," Solidum pointed out.
Dr. Solidum said there are four steps in imagining disaster: hazards and risks assessment, monitor what is happening in your place, warning and disseminating the warning, and proper response phase.
Solidum said there is an urgent need for all LGUs in the region to come up with disaster preparedness plans since almost all places in Mindanao are prone to earthquakes. The presence of two major fault lines, the Sulu and Cotabato trenches make Zamboanga Peninsula very vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis.
Dr. Solidum, before ending his presentation, left a challenge to the over 300 participants today: "Are we ready in cases of eventualities?" he ended.
