Baguio: Thirty-six years after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that devastated Baguio and much of northern Luzon, city officials on Thursday said the tragedy transformed disaster preparedness and resilience into a cornerstone of local governance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized the importance of the lessons learned from the 1990 disaster during the commemoration at the Baguio City Hall Park. He stated that prior to the earthquake, there was no structured disaster resilience program in place, resulting in reactive measures. The devastating event, which claimed approximately 1,600 lives in Baguio alone, became the catalyst for developing a comprehensive disaster resilience plan. The city now conducts regular earthquake drills and has established a dedicated department for ensuring readiness against all types of disasters.

Mayor Magalong, who was a police officer at the time of the earthquake, recalled the challenges faced in the aftermath, including poor communication and delayed emergency response, which hampered rescue operations. The earthquake, lasting over 40 seconds, left commercial buildings and homes in ruins, underscoring the need for better preparedness.

Rep. Mauricio Domogan, a former city councilor and multiple-term mayor, highlighted the role human decisions played in exacerbating the disaster's impact. He noted that many buildings, including notable hotels such as the former Hyatt Terraces Hotel and Skyworld Hotel, failed due to structural modifications from their original designs. Domogan pointed out a hotel on Harrison Road that collapsed due to ignored advice to install foundation piles, leading to numerous fatalities.

Domogan stressed the importance of compliance with engineering standards and the National Building Code to prevent structural collapses during earthquakes. The disaster led to the implementation of stricter building permit requirements, such as mandatory soil testing, and raised awareness among property owners of the need to invest in safer infrastructure.

Among the survivors at the commemoration was Rafael Resuello, who lost an arm when trapped beneath the collapsed University of Baguio building. Resuello expressed gratitude for his survival amidst the tragedy that claimed many lives.

The anniversary observance included the signing of a "Resilience Time Capsule," symbolizing the city's ongoing commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and safeguarding future generations.