05/03/2025
OCD to Introduce Enhanced Components in Q1 Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, Highlighting Comprehensive Disaster Response Initiatives
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is pleased to announce the launch of new components for this quarter’s Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) scheduled for March 13, 2025. This quarter's drill will take place in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and will showcase the region's existing earthquake response capabilities alongside significant enhancements in coordination and collaboration.
This NSED will serve as a vital platform for demonstrating the preparedness of Sta. Rosa City, neighboring local government units (LGUs), and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 4A, as well as its assisting region, MIMAROPA. The inclusion of various stakeholders marks a notable improvement, reflecting the government’s commitment to a more inclusive approach to disaster management.
Key highlights of this quarter's NSED include:
Ceremonial Venue in Sta. Rosa City: The drill will highlight the earthquake response capabilities of Sta. Rosa City and its neighboring LGUs, showcasing the region’s readiness to handle emergencies effectively.
Expanded Participation: In addition to government agencies and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at all levels, this drill will include participation from special education schools (SPED), the Laguna Technopark Association Inc. (LTAI), ANGKAS, Enchanted Kingdom and the Armed Forces Reserve Force. This expanded involvement of the private sector represents a significant step forward from the November Q4 NSED.
Airlift Support from MIMAROPA: The assisting RDRRMC from MIMAROPA will be airlifted from Batangas City to Sta. Rosa City to support the Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Incident Management Team (IMT), enhancing operational capabilities.
Communication Exercise: A dedicated exercise day on March 12 will focus on communication and EOC activation, emphasizing the importance of coordination among various agencies during emergencies.
Full-Scale Exercise on March 13: The full-scale exercise will include various scenarios such as Aerial Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) response, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR), jailbreak scenarios, crashed vehicle extrication and rescue, and the evacuation of school children with learning difficulties. ANGKAS will provide communication support and first aid response, while the neighboring LGU of Biñan will also offer response support.
Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno highlighted the significance of the upcoming drill, stating, “This quarter’s NSED not only showcases our commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness but also underscores the importance of collaboration among government, private sector, and community stakeholders. By integrating diverse resources and expertise, we can build a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework.”
As the Philippines continues to enhance its disaster response strategies, the Q1 NSED serves as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in the face of natural calamities.
