DILG DOSE STRENGTHENS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE CY 2025 1ST QUARTER NATIONWIDE SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE DRILL (NSED)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII demonstrated its commitment to disaster preparedness by actively participating in the CY 2025 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), led by Regional Director, Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESE. The drill, aimed at enhancing the agency's readiness to respond to earthquakes, which involved all personnel in a comprehensive, hands-on exercise.
The drill commenced with a 20-second siren, signaling the occurrence of an earthquake. In response, DILG XII personnel immediately performed the "Duck, Cover, and Hold" position, followed by a swift and orderly evacuation of the building using designated evacuation routes. Upon reaching the evacuation area, division marshals conducted a headcount, confirming a total of 97 personnel. The agency’s safety officer then instructed the Civil Engineers to inspect the building’s structural integrity. Once deemed safe for re-entry, personnel were given clearance to return to the building with caution.
Atty. Mahinay-Sero officially opened the second phase of the activity, underscoring the importance of the exercise in light of the Philippines’ location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. She emphasized that training, drills, and exercises like the earthquake drill are essential to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure that personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for swift action in times of disaster. “Such activities help reinforce us, enabling us to respond effectively when an earthquake strikes,” Atty. Mahinay-Sero remarked.
Also present in the activity are the Division Chiefs, namely FAD Chief Dennis T. Sucol, LGCDD Chief Maria Theresa D. Bautista, and LGMED Chief Ian Jon S. Clemente. To further strengthen the agency’s disaster preparedness and response capacity, the Division Chiefs, as well as Safety Officer Mek Eros Barbecho, gave their assessment during the drill; they acknowledged that the performance of DILG XII personnel in previous drills had been commendable, with nearly all staff members adhering to proper protocols.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the updated Public Service Continuity Plan (PSCP) Version 2.0 by Sheila Mae G. Kubik, DILG XII’s Regional DRR-CCA Focal Person. She provided an in-depth overview of the plan, detailing its scope, the hazards specific to the region, and the mission-essential functions that the department must continue even during a disaster or calamity. The PSCP is a critical document that outlines strategies and mechanisms designed to ensure the continuous delivery of essential services to the public despite any disruptions caused by unforeseen events.
With a robust PCP plan, well-established mechanisms, and a team committed to maintaining high standards of safety and preparedness, DILG XII is poised to become a more resilient agency. This exercise serves as a reminder that, while disaster preparedness cannot stop calamities, a well-practiced and coordinated response can significantly mitigate their impact on communities.
