QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) has underscored the importance of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), a quarterly exercise aimed at bolstering the disaster preparedness of Filipinos. DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the drills' role in fostering a conditioned response among the populace to effectively react during earthquakes.
According to Philippines News Agency, who also serves as the chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the NSED is crucial for instilling an automatic 'duck, cover, and hold' response in citizens, ensuring they can protect themselves swiftly when tremors occur. The drills are part of a broader strategy to prepare safety and evacuation officers, as well as local barangay officials, who play vital roles in community safety during such emergencies.
The NSED's objectives extend beyond individual preparedness; they aim to establish a robust system of community leaders capable of guiding and protecting others during seismic events. These leaders, described by Teodoro as 'shepherds,' are essential for coordinating safe evacuations and ensuring that all individuals, particularly in densely populated areas, understand and can execute life-saving procedures.
During the latest drill, simulated at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, a hypothetical magnitude 7.2 earthquake scenario was enacted, focusing on the potential impacts on Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. This exercise tested not only the immediate responses of individuals and safety officers but also the government's communication and coordination mechanisms in the aftermath of a major quake.
By introducing more complex scenarios in future drills, the DND aims to refine and improve the Philippines' disaster response capabilities continually. These exercises are pivotal in identifying gaps in current systems and enhancing the overall resilience of communities to seismic events and other disasters.