Duck. Cover. Hold.

In response to the call of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines (MCNP) and International School of Asia and the Pacific (ISAP) has actively participated in the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) which was on March 11, 2021 at 2 pm. 

A one (1) minute – sound alarm was played to indicate that an earthquake was happening, and the “duck, cover, and hold” should be done by all participants. After it, they proceeded in the evacuation area ensuring that physical distancing and the minimum health protocols were followed. The drill ended after the Over-all Coordinator, Ma’am Susan Baliuag announced “ALL CLEAR”.

Compared to previous practices, no evacuation drills and scenarios were conducted this time in compliance with the minimum public health measures.

The NDRRMC conducts this kind of drill to strengthen the mechanism for national and regional coordination, as well as the interoperability of key players. It also aims to intensify local communities’ earthquake preparedness and increase the commitment of local government units in building safe communities.             

The 2nd quarter NSED is scheduled on June 10, 2021 at 9 am.