Local chief executives in Zambales convened on April 14, 2026, for a League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) meeting and a disaster preparedness activity in San Marcelino.

The activity aimed to strengthen coordination among local government units and enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies, particularly for a potential major earthquake scenario known as “The Big One.”

The Zambales Mayors League monthly meeting, held at Mateo’s Farm in Barangay Nagbunga, gathered municipal mayors, disaster risk reduction officials, department heads, and other stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness and response to align contingency plans and response mechanisms.

Botolan Mayor and LMP-Zambales President Jun Omar Ebdane, together with Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., led the activity and emphasized the importance of proactive planning and inter-LGU coordination.

“We are here today to discuss our respective prerogatives on how to address the possible occurrence of ‘The Big One.’ Each municipality will present its scenarios and plans to manage potential situations,” Mayor Ebdane said.

For his part, San Marcelino Mayor Elvis Ragadio Soria, the host mayor, emphasized the importance of strengthening preparedness at the community level.

“Preparedness begins at the grassroots level. It is important that our plans are clear and that every individual understands their role during emergencies. Through exercises like this, we enhance our ability to respond quickly, effectively, and in an organized manner,” Soria said.

During the activity, municipal mayors, along with their respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDRRMCs) and camp management officers, presented real-time scenarios and contingency plans, including coordination strategies and resource mobilization efforts tailored to their localities.

Each municipality identified priority hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, fires, and oil spills, with a particular focus on preparing for “The Big One.”

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), led by Rolex Estella, ensured that plans were aligned with established standards and informed by past disaster experiences.

Governor Ebdane highlighted the importance of clear evacuation plans, established road networks, and efficient coordination among local officials during emergencies.

“Ayusin natin ang mga contingency plan natin… patuloy tayong magpupulong hangga’t maisaulo natin… pati yung mga equipment natin, dapat nakahanda agad para nandyan na sa oras ng sakuna,” Gov. Ebdane said.

The functional exercise aimed to assess the decision-making, coordination, and leadership of local officials while identifying gaps and areas for improvement.

Representatives from national government agencies, provincial offices, and local departments also attended the activity.

“Edukasyon…Respeto…Serbisyong tapat para sa inyo…MARCELINEANS!”

#SerbisyongSORIA#TatakERS