MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is scheduled to open an earthquake simulation facility on Wednesday, February 20, to better prepare the public and help train its rescue team for earthquakes.

The hydraulically operated facility, dubbed “"Shake, Rattle, and Learn House," will be open to visiting students during educational tours at the MMDA and local government units, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said on Tuesday.

"Earthquake simulation also teaches safe personal behavior and practice in case of an earthquake. This is a learning tool against the perils of earthquakes by providing a scenario to practice protective procedures," he said in a statement.

The quake simulator, which resembles a bungalow complete with a living room, furniture set, and a classroom setting, can accommodate up to 10 persons and can simulate seismic movement equivalent to a magnitude ranging from 4.0 to 8.0.

Tolentino said simulating an earthquake will “help raise the public's awareness and knowledge about the earthquake phenomenon."

"To better understand earthquake and be prepared for it, we have to experience what it feels like to be in one,” the MMDA chief said.