23/09/2026
DEPDev REGION V STRENGTHENS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS THROUGH EARTHQUAKE DRILL
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region 5 successfully conducted the Third Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., pursuant to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Resolution No. 15, s. 2026 and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum No. 51, s. 2026.
FO3 Domingo M. Millena II and FO2 Marvin R. Peñarubia of the Bureau of Fire Protection - Legazpi City Fire Station served as evaluators. They monitored the implementation of emergency procedures, assessed the performance of the Emergency Response Teams (ERT), and provided strategic recommendations to further strengthen the office's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
The drill simulated an intensity VII earthquake, originating from the Legazpi Lineament. The scenario involved 60 seconds of severe ground shaking, causing unsecured office objects to fall. Upon the alarm, personnel executed the standard "Duck, Cover, and Hold" procedure under sturdy furniture while maintaining composure and staying clear of hazards like windows and shelves.
Once the simulated shaking stopped, the second alarm sounded, and all employees evacuated orderly using a single-line, buddy system toward the designated assembly area on the grounds. ERT coordinators in their protective gears, immediately conducted a headcount. One division reported a missing staff member. The ERT Leader directed the Engineering Team to check the building and assess any possible structural damage. The Engineering Team inspected the building and declared it safe for occupancy but found the missing personnel with a minor arm injury inside the office. The ERT Leader instructed the Rescue and Medical Teams to locate the missing employee. The Rescue and Medical Teams were mobilized to extricate the employee and administer first aid, while Communication Officers coordinated with the nearest hospital for potential medical transport.
Following the successful rescue and structural clearance, upon instruction by the ERT Team Leader, personnel re-entered the facility. The drill concluded at 2:45 p.m., followed by a debriefing session to evaluate the exercise and identify areas for improvement.
The exercise highlighted the DEPDev 5’s commitment to a disaster-resilient workplace. The discipline shown by employees, paired with the ERT’s organized command structure, successfully demonstrated the agency's capacity to manage real-world emergencies efficiently.
FAD/mmla
