The first quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) for 2025 will be held in Santa Rosa City, Laguna on March 13, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The drill is expected to showcase the region's 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," the OCD said in a statement.
The drill will highlight the earthquake response capabilities of Santa Rosa City and its neighboring LGUs, showcasing the region’s readiness to handle emergencies effectively.
In addition to government agencies and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils at all levels, the drill will include participation from special education schools (SPED), the Laguna Technohub Association, ANGKAS, and the Armed Forces Reserve Force.
This expanded involvement of the private sector represents a significant step forward from the November Q4 NSED.
The full-scale exercise will include various scenarios such as aerial damage assessment and needs analysis, hazardous materials response, crisis situations and security response, 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.
“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," Nepomuceno said.
(With report from PNA)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #RDRRMC #NSED