Discover the Safest Places in the Philippines: Earthquake-Free Zones (2024)

Last year, on July 26th, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck the northern Philippines, resulting in the tragic loss of at least four lives, along with dozens of landslides and significant structural damage.

Renato U. Solidum, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, characterized it as a major seismic event.1

More recently, on October 26 of the same year, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook parts of the northern Philippines, causing injuries to 26 individuals and prompting the temporary closure of Laoag’s international airport. Panicked residents rushed to the streets for safety, and patients from the 200-bed Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac city, located approximately 60 kilometers north of the epicenter, had to be evacuated.2

Earthquakes are a natural disaster that can strike anytime, anywhere. While it is impossible to predict when an earthquake will happen, there are some places in the Philippines that are less prone to earthquakes than others.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the safest places from earthquakes in the Philippines.

1. Palawan: An Earthquake-Free Paradise

Palawan, often hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, is one of the safest places in the Philippines when it comes to earthquakes. This pristine province has no known fault lines and is unlikely to be affected even in the event of a major seismic event like “The Big One.”

While no place can be truly earthquake-free, Palawan comes close to fitting the description. According to data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), there have been no recorded earthquake events in Palawan from 2014 to 2017, making it a haven for those concerned about earthquake risks.

According to studies, Palawan is virtually “earthquake proof” as it is the most stable island in the Philippines. Palawan is standing on continental rocks extending 30 kilometers below. 3

Palawan’s safety is further enhanced by the absence of active volcanoes and its location on the Western Seaboard, away from the coastal threats of tsunamis despite being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

2. Cavite – Eighth District: A Serene Escape

The eighth district of Cavite, which includes Alfonso, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez, Naic, Tagaytay, and Ternate, is another earthquake-free zone in the Philippines.

These areas are not situated near major fault lines, have no active volcanoes, and are mostly elevated, which mitigates flood risks. With the exception of Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate, they are not coastal areas.

The eighth district of Cavite offers a laid-back and serene lifestyle, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmariñas.

3. Cauayan City, Isabela: Safety Meets Convenience

Cauayan City in Isabela is another earthquake-free gem in the Philippines. Located away from coastlines and major fault lines, this city has the advantage of a low risk of flash floods. While the last Abra earthquake was felt in the province of Isabela, there has been no major earthquake reported in the city itself.

The above places have been considered in this blog based first on other reliable sources some of which has been indicated on the footnotes below, but the most significant basis were the geological features of the location and seismic studies conducted by Phivolcs and other institutions and personalities in the related field.

It is important to note that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) does not maintain a list of “earthquake-free” places in the Philippines. PHIVOLCS instead uses the term “low seismic hazard” to describe places that are less likely to experience earthquakes.

It is also important to note that no place is completely safe from natural disasters. Earthquake risks can vary even within these regions, and the seismic landscape is complex.

Earthquake awareness and preparedness are essential for residents and property owners across the Philippines.

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