Manila, Oct. 19 -- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has directed government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to intensify earthquake preparedness measures through regular drills, infrastructure audits, and retrofitting of critical facilities.

In Memorandum No. 279 dated October 15, Teodoro ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and all Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) to "immediately intensify earthquake risk reduction measures while ensuring public service continuity."

The order comes in the wake of a spate of powerful earthquakes that struck across different parts of the country.

RDRRMCs, chaired by OCD Regi...