QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense once again conducted a Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on Thursday, June 8, to prepare Filipinos across the country.

The employees and officials of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the Central and NCR Offices, as well as other attached agencies of the Presidential Communications Office such as the Apo Production Unit, Inc., Philippine News Agency (PNA), and People's Television Network, Inc (PTV), participated in the drill.

After the second alarm, everyone was prompted to evacuate the building using the emergency exits. Everyone went out with hard hats or any hard material to cover their heads from any falling debris. Those who have ready Emergency GO Bags brought the essential items with them. Meanwhile, the records officer brought a soft copy of their files to ensure business continuity after foreseen disaster.

Shortly after the drill, the PIA NCR played a video highlighting essential items that we can include in the Emergency GO Bag that can last us and our families for at least 72 hours after the quake.

Meanwhile, the Safety Officers of PTV also performed a search and rescue operations scenario and explained to participants how to provide first aid to casualties. They also encourage the participants to seek first aid training as part of disaster preparedness.

Earthquakes can strike without warning and even scientists cannot predict when something will happen. So, the national government and local government units continue to perform measures to prepare everyone.

Consequently, PIA Director General Jose A. Torres Jr. reminds everybody that being always ready can save lives. That participating in drills such as the NSED should be performed not just for the sake of it but to train everyone for the eventuality.

 “Tandaan natin iba ang laging handa. Paghandaan natin kasi maraming darating na sakuna. Iba na ang mundo ngayon. May climate change, may mga lindol na hindi natin alam kung kailan mangyayari.  Kaya everybody should be ready,” the PIA Chief said.

Drills and evacuation simulations are ways to strengthen the capacities of government and communities to anticipate, cope and recover from the adverse impacts of hazards such as earthquakes, and minimize casualties due to them.

Hence, APO Production Unit, Inc. Herman Medina-Cue looks forward to the conduct of such drills to capacitate everyone in case of an earthquake.

“This little inconvenience is something e have to look forward to. Remember, any knowledge or information is powerful. It can be inconvenient now, but when the real thing happens we are ready and we know what to do,” APO Production Unit, Inc. Medina-Cue said. (KSAA – PIA CPSD)