Santa Rosa hosts earthquake drill

SANTA ROSA, Laguna — The city of Santa Rosa, led by Mayor Arlene Arcillas, successfully hosted the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday.

Various sectors, including government officials, agencies, students, private establishments, and residents participated in the drill aimed at strengthening the community's preparedness in case an earthquake strikes.

At the designated time, participants simultaneously performed the "duck, cover and hold" procedure, a fundamental protective measure for earthquakes. The drill also featured demonstrations conducted by various government agencies on the necessary actions and coordination required during a major earthquake, particularly in the event of the anticipated "Big One" hitting the Greater Manila Area.

The exercise was spearheaded by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno. Joining the drill were OCD Calabarzon Regional Director Carlos Alvarez III, together with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol, and Arcillas.

Nepomuceno emphasized that this type of drill is a crucial step in ensuring proper coordination among government agencies and in educating every community member, especially those living in hazard zones, on the necessary steps to take during an earthquake.