(UPDATE) IN the wake of the powerful earthquake that struck Surigao del Sur on Saturday night, the chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the country is more prepared now for the 'Big One' or a major, devastating quake.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol urged the public to be ready for a strong quake. He said people must keep an emergency bag that contains, among others, medicines and food that can last at least up to three days. 'We are more prepared now than, say, 20 or years ago,' Bacolcol told The Manila Times.