The city government under the leadership of Mayor John Dalipe joined the nationwide observance of the 3rd quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) Thursday afternoon, September 7.
Spearheaded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) in coordination Bureau of Fire Protection, Zamboanga City Police Office and other agencies, the earthquake drill commenced at 2 in the afternoon, at the sound of the City Hall siren.
Employees and clients in the City Hall Annex and Main executed the ‘drop, cover, and hold’ protocol before safely evacuating the premises.
Similar drills were also observed by other participating agencies which included the Universidad de Zamboanga, the DON GEMs, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the PNP – PRO9.
Mayor Dalipe commended the CDRRMO and all participating agencies for doing their part in disaster preparedness, and encouraged all residents to regularly practice emergency drills and protocols with their family.
Intended to test the efficiency and usefulness of the preparedness and response and recovery plans, systems and policies developed in their respective offices, the exercise is a regular activity done nationwide and participated by all sectors of the society.
The NSED, in particularly, seeks to reduce casualties should a major earthquake strike the country by orienting and briefing residents on the proper do’s and dont’s and institutionalize proper emergency response through the conduct of regular drills. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)