Zamboanga del Sur, 13 Mar (PIA) -- The 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) 2023 at the Provincial Government Center in Dao, Pagadian City was actively participated by around 400 individuals on Thursday, March 9.

The activity's evaluators were representatives from various government agencies. They shared their viewpoints and opinions regarding how the participants carried out the earthquake drill. They concluded that while the participants did a good job during the earthquake drill, there is still much room for improvement.

Retired Colonel Ronie Villanueva, representing PDRRMO OIC Ruel Cabardo, emphasized the importance of the NSED in assessing the preparedness and capability of the Local Government Units (LGUs). He also stated that the drill enables LGUs to mount a coordinated and effective response to minimize losses and casualties during an earthquake.

Moreover, OCD-IX Director Ochotorena said the NSED is part of the whole-of-society efforts of the government that not only the individuals who are working for the government, but everyone, should know and be involved in these kinds of activities that will raise awareness among people on disaster preparedness and individually learn what they should do during instances that there will be a disaster in their area.

Through the NSED, he hoped that the public would be able to get guidance on what to do in an earthquake. He continued by saying that disasters like earthquakes can't be prevented and that it is essential for us to be prepared in case this occurs, particularly in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The Office of Civil Defense’s turnover of IEC materials to the PDRRMO marked the end of the activity. (NBE/EDT/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)