CITY OF IMUS, CAVITE — At exactly 9:00 AM on November 5, 2026, Imus joined the rest of the country in a synchronized act of preparedness. The City Government of Imus, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, participated in the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, a nationwide exercise designed to strengthen readiness and response during earthquakes and other disasters. And for Imuseños, it was a reminder that safety starts with practice.
A Nationwide Exercise That Builds Resilience
The Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill is a quarterly initiative led by the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The 4th Quarter drill coincided with World Tsunami Awareness Day, adding a layer of preparedness for coastal communities at risk of tsunamis. At 9:00 AM, the ceremonial pressing of the button signaled participants across the country to perform the "Duck, Cover, and Hold" procedure, followed by evacuation exercises.
The Three Steps That Save Lives
The drill isn't just a routine exercise; it is a life-saving habit. Participants are taught to Duck by lowering themselves to the ground, Cover by protecting their head and neck under a sturdy table or desk, and Hold by staying in place until the shaking stops. These three steps, practiced until they become instinct, can mean the difference between safety and injury when a real earthquake strikes. The Imus CDRRMO has consistently emphasized these phases in its public education materials to ensure that every resident knows exactly what to do when the ground shakes.
A City Committed to Preparedness
Imus has a track record of prioritizing disaster preparedness. As early as 2017, the city was conducting fire and earthquake drills with thousands of participants, and academic research has noted that the local government maintains a disaster preparedness plan that includes regular earthquake drills. The commitment extends to the city's schools, with the DepEd Imus City division issuing a memorandum disseminating the NSED schedule to all public and private schools. For a country situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with the West Valley Fault running through nearby areas, these drills are not about fear—they are about empowerment. Practice today means a safer tomorrow for every Imuseño.
