DSWD Field Office (FO) 1 Regional Office, Satellite Offices, Provincial Operations Offices, Regional Program Management Offices, Centers, and Institution participated in the 2^nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).

During the NSED, the FO’s Disaster Control Groups (DCGs) and contingency plan were tested. With the activation of DCGs as a response team, the FO was assessed by the evaluators of Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) on the evacuation procedures and the ability of DCGs to respond to the emergencies in a quick and effective manner.

“In response to the call for the deployment of simultaneous earthquake drills, we took proactive action and enjoined all workers, including our transacting clients, to follow the duck, cover, and hold routine both during the simulation and during the subsequent evacuation from the building. Additionally, a post-evaluation was carried out to analyze the flaws that the evaluators found, which greatly assisted us in making improvements to better serve and safeguard our clients,” said DSWD FO 1 DRMD OIC-Chief Maricel S. Caleja in a statement.

With this, the Field Office assured the public to further look into “possible gaps” and enhance existing emergency plans and contingency protocols.

In February 2023, DSWD FO 1 established its own DCGs assigned to lead the planning and policy-making in matters pertaining to disaster safety and health to strengthen resilience and achieve sustainable development.

NSED is conducted across the nation quarterly, aimed at assessing the readiness of the country’s local disaster risk reduction and management councils and response teams in responding to a strong earthquake. The measure seeks to educate Filipinos and at the same time increase the nation’s disaster response competency. By: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II – Disaster Response Management Division