The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) held a public exhibit to commemorate the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that rocked Bohol in 2013.
Held at the Island City Mall’s activity center, PHIVOLCS displayed informational materials on the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck on Oct. 15 a decade ago, geological hazards, the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark, and disaster response equipment.
Other features in the exhibit include an earthquake simulator, where visitors can hop in and experience different earthquake intensities, and a tsunami simulator tank.
The exhibit formally opened on Oct. 13, with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, PHIVOLCS director, Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, provincial government of Bohol’s supervising administrative officer John Maraguinot, Dr. Evangel M. Luminarias, Department of Education-Bohol (DepEd- Bohol) division Superintendent; Dr. Wifreda Bonggalos, DepED- Tagbilaran city division superintendent; Dr. Anthony Damalerio Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Gerard Lavadia.
Yap recalled the events that transpired during the magnitude 7.2 earthquake, saying this event is a testament to the resiliency of Boholanos in the aftermath. After the damages caused by the hazard in 2013, she underscored the event’s significance as a reminder for local and national governments to create robust disaster responses.
“It has been 10 years! We are gathered here, not only to remember the past but to reaffirm our commitment to building a safer and more resilient community,” Yap said.
Maraguinot, who represented Gov. Aris Aumentado, spoke about the event’s significance in remembering the Boholanos who passed during the earthquake.
“Much has occurred since then, but the memory of the world trembling for those few seconds remain engraved in our collective consciousness,” Maraguinot said.
He added that the event serves a great purpose in reminding Boholanos of the importance of preparedness and vigilance in times of disastrous events, emphasizing community preparedness to mitigate the effects of hazards.
“While we cannot prevent another earthquake or the potential for a tsunami, what we can do is prepare ourselves and remain vigilant for whatever nature may bring our way,” he stressed.
In a forum on earthquakes, PHIVOLCS revisited the impacts of the M 7.2 earthquake and the lessons the local and national government can learn from it.
PHIVOLCS senior science research specialist Kathleen Papiona and supervising science research specialist Jeffrey Perez were the speakers during the forum.
This exhibit is open from Oct. 13 to 14 to remind Boholanos of the events that transpired a decade ago, which led to the loss of 208 Boholano lives.
The Magnitude 7.2 earthquake, was documented as the first inland reverse fault earthquake in the Philippines where the ground movement was vertical rather than horizontal.
PHIVOLCS said it is important to be prepared for the dangers of earthquakes, as Bohol Island has four faults that can cause natural hazards.
These are the Northern Bohol Fault (caused the 2013 M 7.2 earthquake), the Maribojoc Fault, the Eastern Bohol Fault, and the Northern Mindanao Sea Fault or the South offshore fault of Bohol.
The national agency partnered with the provincial government, through the Provincial Information and Media Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the city government of Tagbilaran, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office; the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark and the Alturas Group of Companies. (PIMO/GMC)