Fourth quarter quake drill pushes through

November 27, 2020

The fourth quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill that was suspended because of recent typhoons was finally held on Friday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Facebook Live showed the ceremonial pressing of the button during the drill around 9 am was followed by a total of 163,900 netizens.

According to NDRRMC, the drill was also joined by various government offices and OCD regional offices via Zoom.

In his opening remarks, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary for Operations Casiano Monilla noted the importance of preparedness despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We emphasized that amid the pandemic we should not set aside the disaster preparedness. We hope that everybody would give importance on the programs and other activities for our safety because the threat of danger is always there," he said.  

During the program, Science and Technology Undersecretary Renato Solidum, Jr. presented tsunami information in support of the World Tsunami Awareness Day last Nov. 5.

As part of the fourth quarter quake drill, the OCD also launched a tsunami preparedness webinar last November 10.

In his message, OCD Assistant Secretary for Administration Hernando Caraig called on the public to give importance to disaster preparedness.

“The Philippines faced challenges this year but preparedness of each and everyone is a big contribution to our mission to have safe, stable and prosperous community," he said.

"Let's continue this initiatives and make this part of our lives. Let our experience be a lesson and give importance on preparedness," he added. Robina Asido/DMS