MANILA, Philippines — National and local government offices as well as private companies joined the fourth quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drills yesterday.
The drill is part of the government’s efforts to ensure readiness if and when the “big one” strikes.
Cities across the country held earthquake drills starting at 2 p.m., including evacuation exercises in Quezon City, Parañaque, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa and Pasay.
Holding an event in Camiguin, the Department of National Defense and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the last quarter drill centered on simulation exercises addressing not only earthquakes, but also potential tsunami and volcanic eruption scenarios.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro emphasized the need for preparedness during natural calamities.
OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said the event “serves as a reminder that we must be proactive in disaster preparedness.”
Some of the companies that joined the earthquake drills were Ayala Group, Aboitiz Infra, Manila Electric Co., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Manila Water, Maynilad Water and Globe Telecoms.