Recently, nature moved tremendously that it took lives and homes along with the tremors. It's a devastating event that have shaken the whole Filipino community for several nights now since the first earthquake in September 30, 2025 happened with a 6.9 magnitude wherein Cebu was the epicenter and have been severely damaged. A night of fear enveloped the whole Visayas as tremors from the big one, and now only aftershocks still occurs.
The last time I have experienced such strong intensity was 12 years ago when I was in Elementary. Up until now, I still remember that. Then, few days ago, another traumatic event have happened unexpectedly.
I'm living in Bacolod City which is located in the neighboring island of Cebu. They're indeed far from the each other and the tremors that we have felt was far lesser than what people of Cebu have experienced. I can't imagine what they have gone through during that time. If a 5.3 magnitude can already made people panic here in Bacolod, what's more with the 6.9 magnitude that people of Cebu have experienced?
As nature shook the earth, it also have shaken different industry, especially the management of the companies. While lives are at stake, business called to continue in the BPO sector. I have known what happened in Cebu where BPO employees were blocked at the exit door, prohibited to go out, and compelled to resume the operations disregarding the ongoing danger.
I consider myself lucky in this situation. Not from the earthquake, but for my company lives up to their values. *Safety first before business.* It happened around 10pm and we were already walking towards our training room when we felt the earthquake. We took cover then walk briskly going out as we hear the sound of the alarm. Everyone went out and the Team Leads allowed the agents to drop the calls to evacuate first.
We gathered outside the building to wait for the tremors to stop and for the Safety Officers to inspect. We were guided accordingly towards the evacuation area to ensure our safety for possible aftershocks. It was sad to see that despite every effort there were still some employees which aren't that emotionally strong on times of crisis. We can't blame the victims anyway since they're only thinking of their safety but was taken over by fear.
More than 5 people fainted from panic while going down from the fourth floor of the building. They were given medical assistance immediately upon reaching the ground floor. We're very grateful at the time for the local government and the volunteers for the fast response. When the building was declared safe after the first earthquake, our program was advised to go home instead. While other programs continue their operations, still monitoring the situation, and everyone was allowed to go home if they're not comfortable after what happened.
The next night, aftershocks have taken over once again. For safety, we evacuated the building once again. Later on, the same people were found fainting and were given care outside the building while the ambulance vehicles rushing towards our location one by one.
At this time, we utilized the emergency exit located near our room. We used the nearest route going to the open area which is the back of the building. Actually, it was my first time seeing the back part and was in awe momentarily while evacuating. It was kinda funny because while walking I was taking pictures instead. I think I was the most relaxed person their in the group while others were in panic. I mean, the aftershocks weren't even that felt. Why are they all afraid?
On that same night, the emergency alarm echoed for the second time which signals another evacuation. We waited again for another hour until the building is declared safe and clear from danger before going in. This time, we were not advised to go home since the aftershocks were not that strong. It also gave us some confusions on why we need to evacuate in the first place, but anyway, safety is the top priority so we followed.
Later, we found out that we're not supposed to evacuate but one agent lead the panic and used the emergency exit which triggers the alarm system intentionally. While we understand that the agent did it in good faith but he/she would still face HR hearing after what happened. Whoever that was, I hope he/she gets pardoned and would be given another chance.
Anyway, that was the earthquake on my perspective. I'm still lucky for this because some other companies here in the city didn't even let their agents to evacuate the building while the tremors were felt. Recently, complaints filed on DOLE have been broadcasted online and I really hope that the agents can receive justice or compensation at least.
As for Cebu, I'm seeing a lot of help that people are receiving. Even here, there's a fund raising that was facilitated to be given to the affected Cebuanos. I have lots of onboardees from there too which I was checking from time to time. It's a relief to know that at the very least, their necessities was fulfilled by the help they are receiving daily. It still saddens me to know that despite having a shelter, they are afraid to stay indoors because of the strong aftershocks.
I hope the earth calms down anytime soon. Let's pray for the people affected and extend our helping hand if needed.
