By Shanell Jay Aguinaldo, Stratcom Intern

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) for the first quarter of 2024 on March 25, at the College of Engineering (COE) grounds. During the drill, participants followed evacuation procedures, including "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" techniques. Experts also simulated real-life scenarios to ensure everyone knew what to do during an earthquake.

Led by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, the MMSU community, together with officials of the Province of Ilocos Norte, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Fourth Marine Brigade, Philippine Red Cross Ilocos Chapter, and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), joined millions across the country in observing safety protocols during earthquakes at the conduct of NSED.

Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., vice president for planning and strategic foresight, emphasized the importance of being ready and alert before, during, and after an earthquake. "As MMSU continues its dedication to bolstering disaster resilience and ensuring the safety of its community members, today’s earthquake drill is another step in strengthening our readiness and refining response strategies," he said.

Mr. Gregory M. Cayetano, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense and Chairperson of RDRRMC I. Batac City councilors Mark Christian Chua and Kichel Jomarie Pungtilan; and Mr. Marcel Tabije, local DRRM Officer IV of Ilocos Norte, graced the quarterly event.

The Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drills for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Quarters are scheduled on June 13, September 12, and November 14, respectively.

An initiative of the Office of Civil Defense-Region 1, the MMSU NSED was carried out by the Security and Monitoring Services Directorate led by Director Jan Francis Javier, the DRRM Office headed by its chief, Engr. Marlob Acoba; and the College of Engineering, helmed by Dr. Sharona Barroga.