Former House quad-committee chairman Robert Ace Barbers urged every Filipino household to prepare for at least 72 hours without immediate government assistance, stressing that emergency readiness should be a national security priority.
He cited the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and possible disruptions to critical infrastructure, including power, telecommunications, transportation, and food supplies.
Barbers emphasized that the Philippines’ proximity to the Taiwan Strait and continuing maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea make civilian preparedness increasingly important.
He advised families to stock up on drinking water, food, medicines, first-aid supplies, flashlights, radios, power banks, emergency cash, and important documents.
He also called on government agencies and local officials to strengthen contingency plans, conduct community drills, protect critical infrastructure, and establish reliable emergency communication systems.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 9, 2026
