QUEZON CITY -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) are thanking the thousands who joined the First Quarter Online Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) for this year, via Facebook live yesterday, March 10, 2022.

NDRRMC Chairperson and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana in his keynote message once again noted the importance of participation of various sectors and the essence of NSED.

“Sa ating unang NSED sa taong ito, layunin nating mas palawakin pa ang partisipasyon ng iba’t ibang mga sektor para sa isaktuparan ang whole-of-nation at whole-of-government approach. Bibigyang halaga natin ang ambag ng mga kababaihan, kabataan, at mga mag-aaral, at ng mga senior citizens sa pagsasakatuparan ng ating layunin na gawing handa ang ating mga komunidad.” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng NSED mapapalawak natin ang kaalaman at mahuhubog ang kasanayan ng mga mamamayan sa pag-iwas at sa pagbawas ng negatibong epekto ng lindol.” he added.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Año, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Undersecretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development Usec. Felicisimo Budiongan, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Sandra S. Montano, and Coalition of Services of the Elderly Executive Director Emily N. Beridico also extended their messages of support to NSED and encouraged the public to continuously engage in preparedness activities.

Meanwhile, the “duck, cover, and hold” exercise video was presented during the program which was followed by the online pressing of the ceremonial button led by the heads of the member agencies. The alarm sounded at 9:00A.M, prompting the audience to do the “duck, cover, and hold.”

In closing, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV reminded the viewers to apply the learnings from the drill.

“Isapuso natin ang ating natutunan sa paglahok sa NSED, at palaging tandaan na sa oras ng panganib, ang taong listo at may kaalaman sa mga hakbanging pangkaligtasan ay siyang makakatulong sa pamilya at pamayanan.” he said.

An hour after the program ended, the First Quarter NSED livestream event garnered a total of 246,754 views, 236,811 reach, and 305,361 engagements. (OCD)