Geologist and Project NOAH Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay emphasized that earthquakes are a natural part of life in the Philippines — but the damage they cause depends largely on human preparedness and adherence to safety standards.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Lagmay explained that the Philippines’ position along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations.
“Sa tingin ko, hindi naman talaga unusual na magkaroon tayo ng lindol dito sa Pilipinas kasi nasa Pacific Ring of Fire tayo,” he said.
“Ibig sabihin, dyan sa mga lugar na ‘yan katulad ng Pilipinas, Japan, Alaska, West Coast ng U.S., sa Canada, West Coast ng Canada ay pumapalibot ‘yan sa Pacific at nandoon ‘yong Pacific Ring of Fire kung saan maraming mga pag-lindol, atsaka marami rin ang mga bulkan,” Dr. Lagmay explained.
He detailed how the collision of tectonic plates beneath the country builds up stress that eventually triggers earthquakes.
“Kapag ‘yong pacific ocean floor, bumbanga sa Eurasian plate… nag-aacumulate ng stress… at kapag namuo eh nirerelease niya sa pamamagitan ng paggalaw ng fault, at ‘yong fault na ‘yon ang naggagawa ng lindol.”
Lagmay noted that while the entire country is susceptible to quakes, Palawan remains relatively stable — though not entirely exempt.
“Karamihan ng ating mga pag-lindol ay nagaganap sa Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao at kaunti lamang ang nagyayari doon sa Palawan… Stable siya dahil nanggaling siya sa mainland Asia.”
He identified the Philippine Mobile Belt as the country’s main earthquake zone — a collision area of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
“Kaya Philippine Mobile Belt ‘yan kasi diyan nagaganap ‘yong maraming pag-lindol, banggaan ng pacific ocean floor (Philippine Sea Plate).”
More than the science, Lagmay stressed the importance of strict compliance with structural standards to prevent loss of lives.
“Importante na sinusundan natin ang ating building code. Hindi tayo nagtatayo nang basta-basta… Hindi pwedeng substandard dahil kapag dumating ‘yong panahon, may maniningil — kalikasan ang maniningil.”
Lagmay’s warning comes as a timely reminder amid the series of moderate to strong tremors recently felt in various parts of the Philippines: earthquakes are inevitable, but the devastation they bring doesn’t have to be.
