The Office of Civil Defense Cordillera (OCD-CAR) and University of Baguio (UB) joined forces with other key stakeholders such as PIA-CAR, Baguio CDRRMO, PNP BCPO, and BFP Baguio to lead the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 9, 2023, at exactly 2:00 PM. UB, being the pilot area of the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (Cordillera RDRRMC), will be the focus of the drill. The contingency plan and the activation of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of UB will be tested and evaluated during the exercise.
The NSED is an annual event aimed at assessing the readiness of the country’s local disaster risk reduction and management councils and response teams in responding to a strong earthquake. The drill is part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a major earthquake. The simulation exercise is an opportunity for the various disaster response units to demonstrate their ability to coordinate and execute their respective roles and responsibilities.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Cordillera Administrative Region has been leading the region’s disaster preparedness efforts, and UB is a key partner in this undertaking. UB, being a university with a large student population, has taken an active role in educating its students on disaster preparedness and response. The university has also established an Emergency Response Team (ERT) composed of trained staff members who are ready to respond to any emergency situations that may arise.
During the NSED, the contingency plan of UB will be tested, which includes the evacuation procedures and the activation of the Emergency Response Team. The drill simulated a strong earthquake, and the response team will be evaluated on their ability to respond to the emergency quickly and effectively. The exercise is an opportunity for the team to practice their skills and identify areas that need improvement.
The drill is an opportunity for the various disaster response units to demonstrate their ability to coordinate and execute their respective roles and responsibilities. It is also a chance for the public to learn about disaster preparedness and response and to understand the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
In conclusion, the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill is an important event that assesses the readiness of local disaster risk reduction and management councils and response teams. The partnership between the Office of Civil Defense Cordillera, University of Baguio, and other key stakeholders in leading this effort is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The drill serves as a reminder to everyone that disaster preparedness is essential, and that we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of our communities.
