OCD lauds success of 4th quarter national earthquake drill

MANILA, Philippines —  The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) lauded the execution of the fourth quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill held in Camiguin on Nov. 14.

OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno commended the collaborative efforts of both public and private sectors, emphasizing the critical nature of such exercises in a country that has faced the challenges of being the most disaster-prone in the world for 16 consecutive years.

Nepomuceno highlighted Camiguin as a “gold standard in disaster preparedness,” noting the impressive capabilities demonstrated by over 800 participants.

He expressed sincere gratitude for their commitment to saving lives, reinforcing the importance of collective readiness in the face of unpredictable disasters.

Local leaders, including Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, echoed the sentiment of fostering a culture of resilience, recognizing the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill as a crucial step toward enhancing local preparedness and response capabilities.

“A devastating earthquake cannot be predicted... So the need to prepare cannot be overemphasized,” Nepomuceno pointed out.

Cities like Quezon City, Makati and Parañaque, along with major companies, also participated in drills that included simulations for earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

The companies that joined the earthquake drills include the Ayala Group (APMC, Ayala Corp.), Aboitiz Group (Aboitiz Infra), Meralco, BPI, Manila Water, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Maynilad and Globe.

The drills served as a vital reminder of the need for continuous improvement in disaster response strategies, particularly for areas vulnerable to natural threats.

This proactive approach aims to equip local government units with the tools they need to handle emergencies effectively, ensuring that communities are not only prepared for earthquakes but also for a range of potential calamities.