MAKATI CITY — The 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) officially opened at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, marking the nationwide launch of the quarterly earthquake preparedness exercise. The ceremonial pressing of the button signaled the start of a coordinated effort among communities across the country to reinforce earthquake awareness, preparedness, and resilience. In Makati, the activity was conducted in partnership with Ayala Property Management Corporation, the Barangay San Lorenzo Response Team, Ayala Emergency Response Team, and Makati Search and Rescue. Participants practiced the Duck, Cover, and Hold technique before demonstrating proper evacuation procedures and designated routes.
Putting Earthquake Response Procedures Into Practice
The drill gave participants an opportunity to rehearse actions that could be crucial during an actual earthquake. After performing the Duck, Cover, and Hold procedure, participants practiced orderly evacuation toward safer areas while following established protocols. The exercise also emphasized that earthquake preparedness should extend beyond scheduled drills. Regular practice helps individuals and communities become more familiar with emergency procedures and develop the confidence to respond appropriately when an actual disaster occurs.
Testing Readiness Through a Large-Scale Scenario
The NSED is a quarterly initiative led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). It is designed to reinforce earthquake safety practices and assess contingency plans in government offices, schools, workplaces, and communities. For this quarter's exercise, responders worked under a simulated Magnitude 7.2 earthquake scenario affecting Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. The simulation tested response capabilities in areas such as search and rescue, mass casualty management, logistics, and communications.
Building a Culture of Community Readiness
For Makati residents, participating in the NSED provides a practical opportunity to strengthen their ability to respond quickly and safely during an earthquake. The familiar sequence of dropping, taking cover under a sturdy object, and holding on until the shaking stops can help reinforce appropriate emergency behavior. Beyond individual preparedness, the drill encourages communities, institutions, and response teams to review their existing plans and identify areas that may need improvement. Conducting these exercises regularly helps strengthen coordination and readiness, making disaster preparedness a shared responsibility rather than an activity limited to quarterly drills.
