Camiguin Island, Northern Mindanao – The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) urge the public and private sectors to engage in the Fourth Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) today at 2 PM. This year, the drill will have a special focus on simulation exercises addressing not only earthquakes but also potential tsunami and volcanic eruption scenarios, given the presence of Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. emphasized the critical need for preparedness: “As a nation, we must acknowledge our vulnerability not only to typhoons but also to multi-hazard scenarios. Earthquakes, in particular, pose a unique risk as they can strike without any warning. This drill is more than just an exercise; it is a vital part of our national resilience strategy. We must be ready to face any disaster, as preparedness is our strongest defense.”
“This drill is an opportunity for us to practice our response to simultaneous disasters and ensure we are equipped to protect our families and communities.”
Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno echoed this sentiment: “Today’s drill serves as a reminder that we must be proactive in our disaster preparedness efforts. With the increasing frequency of natural hazards, it is imperative that both government and private sectors work together to enhance our community resilience. This drill is an opportunity for us to practice our response to simultaneous disasters and ensure we are equipped to protect our families and communities.”
The drill will be attended by key officials, including:
At the national level, the attendees will feature Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who serves as the Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense. Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe, MD, FPOGS, from the Disaster Response Management Group of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, will also be present. Additionally, Director Yvette Tolentino Sunga, CESO V, the Regional Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government for Region X, will attend. Regional Director Romela N. Ratilla, CESO III, from the Department of Science and Technology in Region X, will be part of the event, along with Ms. Ma. Antonia V. Bornas, the Chief Science Research Specialist from DOST-PHIVOLCS.
At the local level, the drill will be graced by Honorable Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, the Provincial Governor of Camiguin, as well as Honorable Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, Congressman for the Lone District of Camiguin.
In addition, multiple cities across the nation will participate in their respective drills, including evacuation exercises in Quezon City, Parañaque, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, and Pasay.
Several companies will also join the Fourth Quarter NSED, including the Ayala Group (APMC, Ayala Corp), Aboitiz Group (Aboitiz Infra), MERALCO, BPI, Manila Water, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Maynilad, and Globe. Notably, the Ayala Group has confirmed 100% participation across all 240 of its properties, underscoring the strong commitment of the private sector to disaster preparedness.
As we participate in this drill, let us all prioritize the importance of disaster preparedness. Earthquakes can occur suddenly and without warning, making our collective readiness essential to safeguarding lives and property.
