Thirty-five years ago on July 16, 1990, a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Luzon, leaving a deep scar in the hearts of many Filipinos, especially those from Dagupan and Baguio City.

Survivors still recall with vivid clarity the fear, destruction, and helplessness they felt on that day.

In Dagupan City, former mediaman Ike Palinar was about to fetch his children from school when the tremors began. He described the moment the ground shook violently.

“Gumalaw yung pader, tutumba sa kotse ko. Lindol na pala,” he said.

“Umalis ako sa kotse, tutumba naman yung poste. Tapos yung kotse ko, nakita ko, nilalamon ng putik,” he added.

Now a local official, Rodolfo Bruno was only 17 years old then, working as a grocery bagger. The memory still haunts him.

“Makikita mo yung kalsada na nabibiyak. Then may lumalabas na maitim na tubig... kinakamada lang yung mga tao sa gilid, 'yung mga namatay na tao sa sinehan,” he said.

Bruno said they could do little else but pray. He said he was saddened they couldn’t help the victims, as they also struggled to save themselves.

The tragedy also hit hard in Baguio City, where hundreds lost their lives and thousands of homes were destroyed.

In the years since, lessons have been learned.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has intensified its efforts to prepare the public for future disasters through regular drills and safety education.

“Ini-enhance ‘yung preparedness ng ating kababayan, especially sa mga paaralan, establishments na kung saan madalas naroon ang mga kababayan natin,” Adreanne Pagsolingan, public information officer of OCD-1, said.