TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Northern Mindanao successfully conducted the third quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at Casinglot Elementary School in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Management Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the RDRRMC is directed to conduct regular simultaneous drills and exercises on preparedness and response to single or multiple hazards caused by a calamity such as earthquakes and tsunami.

“Magsagawa tayo ng pagsasanay na ito nang maayos at seryoso, at siguruhing makuha natin ang mga mahahalagang aral na magbibigay kaligtasan sa ating lahat. (Let's do this exercise properly and seriously, and make sure we get the important lessons that will bring safety to us all),” RDRRMC-10 Chairperson Antonio B. Sugarol said.

The simulation displayed how the rescue and response team of the Tagoloan Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Council responded to an emergency produced by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the said municipality for about one minute.

Participated by the students, faculty, and staff of both Casinglot Elementary School and Casinglot National High School, the exercise was considered a success as it reached its aim to teach and remind the participants on how to react during a calamity and evaluated the actions done by both rescuers and responders.

Sugarol commends all participants in the conduct of NSED because though they do not want a so-called “big event” calamity to happen, it is necessary to prepare themselves.

“Ang inyong pakikiisa ay napakahalaga upang mapanatili nating handa ang ating komunidad sa anumang posibleng kalamidad (Your participation is very important to maintain the readiness of our community to any possible calamity),” he added.

The RDRRMC continues to remind the public that it is necessary to be always ready against calamities. They urge individuals to familiarize themselves with even the fundamental aspects, like being aware of the emergency hotline and actively participating in any government-conducted emergency and safety drills within their communities. (JAKA/PIA10)