The National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office VI (NEDA RO VI) participated in the conduct of the CY 2023 Second Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) via livestreaming and on-site drill on June 8, 2023.

Spearheaded by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the NSED ceremonial activity was held at Mandaluyong City and streamed nationwide. The said activity commenced at 8:00 A.M. followed by the official start of the Second Quarter NSED through the ceremonial pressing of the button at 9:00 A.M.

Meanwhile, the on-site drill at the NEDA RO VI was joined by its officials and staff. 15 males and 12 females participated in the NSED by following the five (5) phases of the drill: Phase 1 is the ringing of the “Alarm” continuously for one minute to indicate the earth’s shaking; Phase 2 is “Response” that is performing the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure until the shaking stops; Phase 3 is “Evacuation” that is requiring the participants to evacuate the building immediately, in an orderly but swift manner, and to proceed outside in a safe area away from buildings, fences, walls, electricity, etc.; Phase 4 is “Assembly and Head Count” that is grouping together by division and conduct a head count; and Phase 5 is “All Clear”, indicating the termination of the drill upon the signal of overall coordinator.

The third quarter NSED is set on September 27, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. NSED is conducted in compliance with Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (PDRRM Act of 2010). (JLETomulto/FAD)