The Office of Civil Defense, in collaboration with the City Government of
Tagbilaran through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Office (CDRRMO), spearheaded the 2023 Third Quarter Nationwide
Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on September 7, 2023.
The event took place at the Old Tagbilaran City Airport and was designed
to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities, with
Tagbilaran City serving as the pilot area for this crucial activity.
The earthquake drill commenced with an opening program, where a
welcome message on behalf of Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap was
delivered by Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala, setting the tone for the day.
The keynote address, originally to be delivered by National Defense
Secretary Atty. Gilbert Teodoro, was done by ASec. Hernando Caraig Jr. of
the Office of Civil Defense.
Throughout the program, various dignitaries expressed their support to the
activity, including Director Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, represented by
DSWD Region 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero; and Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.,
represented by DILG USec. Serafin Barretto Jr.
Closing the program, a recorded message by Civil Defense Administrator
USec. Ariel Nepomuceno was played.
At precisely 2:00 p.m., the ceremonial pressing of a button initiated the
ground-shaking simulation, and sirens sounded, signaling the start of the
drill. Participants swiftly executed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure,
emphasizing the importance of immediate protective actions during an
earthquake.
The CDRRMO led by Mr. Gerard Lavadia orchestrated a full-scale
simulation exercise, providing a comprehensive showcase of the city’s
disaster response operations.
They were able to conduct different scenarios to include the activation of
the Incident Management Team and Emergency Operations Center,
communication unit exercise, mass casualty incident, search and rescue,
structural fire, looting, and rapid damage assessment and needs analysis.
This practical demonstration allowed emergency responders, government
agencies, and the community to observe and evaluate the city’s readiness
to address the challenges posed by a major seismic event.
In her statement, Mayor Yap emphasized the importance of proactive
disaster preparedness and the critical role played by the CDRRMO,
government agencies and the community in this regard.
The mayor stated, “Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility, and
today’s earthquake drill reinforces our commitment to safeguarding our
community against the unpredictable forces of nature. The City of
Tagbilaran is fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable team in the
CDRRMO. We are also grateful to the City Health Office, Tagbilaran City
College, Tarsier 117, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire, Armed
Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Active Local Emergency
Response Team, City Traffic Management Office and all the event
participants for the support. The earthquake drill not only serves as an
essential exercise in disaster preparedness but also highlights the
significance of coordinated efforts between government agencies, local
authorities, and the community in ensuring the safety and resilience of
Tagbilaran City.”