The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has conducted a virtual online ceremonial pressing of the button of the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) via Facebook Live and Youtube Livestream on March 10, 2022. The observance of the “duck, cover, and hold” routine was officially done at 9:00AM in the morning and is open to other government agencies and the public. The goal of the virtual program is to increase the participation of the public in promoting individual and family earthquake preparedness towards community resilience, with the integration of the public health measures and standards in the conduct of NSED.
Assistant Secretary Hernando M. Caraig, Jr., Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations, OCD, delivered the opening remarks. Following were messages from Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Undersecretary and Officer in Charge, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Department of Science and Technology, and Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chavez, Executive Director, Philippine Commission on Women.
ASEC Hernando Caraig, Jr. (left photo) and Atty. Kristine Yuzon-Chavez (right photo) during their messages.
Representing one of the focus sectors of the event with her message is the spokesperson Ms. Emily Beridico, Executive Director, Coalition of Services of the Elderly. Undersecretary Felicisimo C. Budiongan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development also came to show support through his own address for the event. Secretary Eduardo Año from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, also delivered a speech.
Executive Director Ms. Emily Beridico, CSE (top), USEC Felicisimo Budiongan, DSWD (bottom left), and Secretary Eduardo Año, DILG (bottom right) during their remarks.
Before proceeding with the “duck, cover, and hold” exercise, a keynote message was delivered by Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Department of National Defense and Chairperson, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. To formally close the event, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations, OCD.
Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Department of National Defense Chairperson, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
on his keynote message.
Duck, cover, and hold simulation example.
Ceremonial pressing of the button for the 1st Quarter NSED.
Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Operations, OCD
during the closing remarks.
By: Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division