Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday, November 3, advised Filipino households to maintain basic emergency supplies, clarifying that the recommendation is a routine measure and not prompted by any imminent threat.
Speaking in a radio interview, Teodoro likened the practice to standard disaster preparations for storms and floods, emphasizing that keeping food, water, and other necessities on hand is a matter of practical household management.
“This is standard operating procedure. It is really a matter of good housekeeping to always have a reserve of food and necessities, including batteries, just as we prepare for storms or floods by keeping supplies at home,” Teodoro said.
His comments follow increased global attention on emergency preparedness campaigns in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
When asked if the Philippines should mandate a three-day supply standard, Teodoro noted that local government units, particularly barangays, are already guided to prepare according to their specific regional vulnerabilities.
“Different areas have different needs. Some places need water, others need food, while some may need batteries and radios because electricity can be intermittent,” he explained.
Teodoro advised families to routinely check and update their stockpiles to avoid spoilage, noting that the three-day guideline is flexible rather than rigid.
“Three days is not a hard-and-fast rule. We can wait for an advisory to avoid panic buying, but what I am saying is that this is something we should really do whether or not there is an emergency. You should rotate your supplies because they can spoil,” he said.
He also clarified that the push for preparedness is decoupled from any emerging security crisis, noting only the seasonal challenges posed by the super El Niño phenomenon.
“The earlier, the better. But this does not mean that we see anything coming, apart from the needs arising from the super El Niño,” Teodoro noted.
Self-Reliance During Crises
Overseeing the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of National Defense (DND) continues to advocate for baseline community and household resilience. Teodoro stressed that because emergency responders and medical personnel may face deployment delays during widespread disasters, individual self-reliance is critical.
“At the end of the day, every household needs its own reserves. It is like having a first-aid kit. Help, ambulances, or medical personnel may not arrive immediately, so people must have the capacity to take care of themselves at the bare minimum. This is standard good practice,” he concluded.