On November 14, 2024, employees of the Angeles City Government took part in the Fourth Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). Organized by the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO), the drill aimed to assess the city’s preparedness for seismic events. Under the leadership of ACDRRMO head Rudy Simeon, the exercise sought to strengthen response protocols and enhance the community’s awareness of disaster preparedness.
The NSED is a nationwide initiative designed to evaluate the readiness of local governments and citizens to effectively respond during natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. This drill serves as an essential tool for local government units (LGUs) to test their emergency plans, identify areas for improvement, and foster a culture of preparedness across the community.
In a symbolic demonstration of leadership, Acting Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting was designated as the Incident Commander during the earthquake drill. Her role was crucial in guiding the operations and coordinating efforts across various departments. Vega-Cabigting’s involvement emphasized the city administration’s commitment to disaster resilience and public safety.
The participation of key city officials, such as Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Angeles City Director Yvette Cosio, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Secretary to the Mayor Raffy Lazatin Angeles, and Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Irish Bonus-Llego, highlighted the collaborative efforts in ensuring that the drill was both thorough and effective. Their active involvement further reinforced the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents.
The drill involved various scenarios that simulated real-life earthquake situations. It tested the city’s emergency response systems, including evacuation procedures, coordination with emergency services, and public communication strategies. By participating in such drills, city officials and employees were able to better understand their roles during an actual disaster.
This initiative underscores the importance of continuous training and preparedness in safeguarding public welfare. By regularly participating in such drills, the Angeles City Government is not only improving the immediate response capabilities of its personnel but is also ensuring that the city is equipped to handle larger-scale emergencies in the future.
In the long term, the success of these drills can have a lasting impact on the community’s overall disaster resilience. As more citizens become aware of the procedures and protocols through these exercises, the city as a whole will be better prepared to face any natural calamity that may come its way.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
