In the wake of recent earthquake tremors across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, leading HMO provider PhilCare is calling on Filipino families to prepare emergency go bags to improve survival chances in the critical 72 hours following a major quake.
Citing Department of Health (DOH) protocols, PhilCare outlined seven essential items that every household should include in a go bag: first aid supplies, food and water, vital documents, hygiene items, basic clothing, tech equipment like radios and power banks, and emergency cash.
“Earthquakes strike without warning. A go bag ensures you can leave quickly with life-saving essentials,” said Dr. Eilyn Evora-Ayuste, PhilCare medical director.
The reminder comes as the country faces multiple disaster threats, including intensified monsoon rains and looming La Niña conditions through early 2026. These could worsen the impact of earthquakes, leading to floods, landslides, and complex evacuation scenarios.
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and records about 20 earthquakes daily, according to PHIVOLCS. While most are minor, a strong quake in a densely populated area could overwhelm hospitals and cripple infrastructure.
PhilCare stressed that preparation includes not just food and water, but also medical needs. Recommended items for first aid kits include alcohol, bandages, wound ointments, and maintenance medicines for chronic illnesses.
“When a major earthquake hits, the lack of access to daily medications becomes a second health crisis,” Dr. Ayuste warned.
PhilCare also advises families to store important documents—such as IDs, insurance policies, and medical records—in waterproof containers, and to back them up digitally via its Member Gateway platform.
The HMO’s telemedicine services, DigiMed and DigiMed PLUS, can provide remote medical support when roads are blocked or hospitals are full.
For food, PhilCare suggests non-perishable items and at least three days’ worth of drinking water. Tech gear like charged phones, radios, and power banks are essential, while emergency cash is critical as ATMs and card systems often fail during disasters.
PhilCare president and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco said the campaign is part of the company’s broader mission to promote holistic health and resilience.
“Healthcare isn’t just about curing illness—it’s about being ready for anything that threatens your wellbeing, including disasters,” Tanco said.
