The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Immediately after the magnitude 7.8 tremor that hit north central Mindanao, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)’s proactive disaster readiness strategy was put on litmus test as it ensured a rapid and coordinated response to the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami threat in Mindanao.
As soon as the disaster struck, the PPA quickly activated port safety measures across affected port areas in southern Philippines following the tremor recorded offshore Sarangani and the subsequent tsunami warning issued by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS).
Immediately after the issuance of Tsunami Information No. 1, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago directed its port management offices (PMOs) in affected areas to implement established emergency protocols and suspended non-essential port activities that where necessary in properly responding to the situation.
It likewise coordinated closely with concerned agencies, particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Civil Defense Office (CDO) and affected local government units (LGUs), to ensure the safety of passengers, port workers and surrounding communities.
Preparations were also made to counter the possible entry of tsunami waves that, according to PHIVOLCS, would exceed one meter high and affect several coastal provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.
The agency’s rapid response reflects the sustained Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), which started last March the current year, alongside regular earthquake and tsunami drills, emergency response exercises, contingency planning activities and coordination mechanisms with local disaster risk reduction offices and maritime stakeholders.
Accordingly, the said preparedness measures helped ensure that port personnel are equipped to respond quickly and effectively during the emergency.
Initial reports from PMO SOCSARGEN indicated minor structural damage in some facilities, including wall cracks and other effects caused by the strong ground shaking. Assessment teams conducted inspections in the Port of Malalag and also at the Ports of Sasa, Mati and Babak which fortunately showed no reported damage to infrastructure.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. had earlier directed all concerned government agencies to act immediately and ensure the safety of communities at risk: “To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please follow the disaster protocols . . . Your life is more important than anything left behind.”
In support of the President’s directive, GM Santiago emphasized that the agency’s preparedness measures are designed to enable a rapid and coordinated response whenever emergencies occur.
“The safety of our workers, passengers, and coastal communities remains our highest priority. The PPA stands ready to work closely with local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response,” he stressed.
To date, the PPA continues to closely monitor the situation and remains in constant coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, LGUs, disaster management authorities and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety and security of the country’s port facilities and maritime stakeholders. As part of its commitment to public service, the agency stands ready to support emergency response, relief operations especially with the ready-to-eat food packs stationed in the ports nationwide.