12/03/2025
All Systems Go for Q1 NSED: Santa Rosa City Ready to Showcase Earthquake Response Capabilities
Santa Rosa, along with neighboring local government units, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Calabarzon, and the MIMAROPA region, is set for the first quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) tomorrow, March 13, 2025.
The city, in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), is eager to showcase new components in this essential exercise. This drill emphasizes heightened participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including special education schools, Laguna Technopark, Inc., Enchanted Kingdom, Angkas, and the Armed Forces reserve force.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the critical need for regular earthquake drills due to the persistent threat of seismic activity.
“We are situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making us susceptible to various disasters, including earthquakes,” Nepomuceno stated. “As of December 2024, the Philippines has a risk index of 9.7 out of 10 for earthquakes. This underscores the urgency of our preparations, especially with the looming threat of the 'Big One'—a potential 7.2 magnitude earthquake.”
The full-scale exercise will encompass a range of scenarios, including aerial damage assessments, hazardous materials response, collapsed structure search and rescue, jailbreak scenarios, vehicle extrication, and the evacuation of school children with learning difficulties.
Nepomuceno reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering disaster preparedness through collaboration with private sector and community stakeholders.
“Earthquake drills are vital in equipping the public with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to major seismic events,” he remarked. “These exercises are instrumental in saving lives and minimizing damage during earthquakes.”
He urged the public to heed the guidance of national and local governments in preparation for the 'Big One' and other potential earthquakes.
“Earthquakes strike without warning. Let us unite with the government to build a prepared and resilient Philippines capable of facing any seismic challenges ahead,” Nepomuceno concluded.
