Earthquake drill for Sept. 21 postponed

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) that was supposed to be held on September 21.

NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan said NDRRMC Chairman and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana made the pronouncement to postpone the earthquake drill originally scheduled at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

President Duterte has September 21 as a National Day of Protest and in effect has announced the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government offices.

“Since most of the Regional DRRM Councils have selected government offices and schools as its pilot area, the National Council deemed it necessary to conduct the 3rd Quarter NSED to a later date,” Marasigan said.

“This is to ensure maximum participation to the earthquake drill,” she added.

Marasigan said the new schedule of the 3rd Quarter NSED is yet to be determined.

The NDRRMC conducts nationwide earthquake drills quarterly, as one of the tools to promote disaster preparedness and resilience among communities.

Marasigan had earlier said that the ceremonial venue of the NSED will be held at the Strike Gymnasium, Bacoor City in Cavite.

Marasigan said in line with this, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will also hold the Bida ang Handa Campaign which generally aims to promote disaster preparedness through public’s participation in the NSED.

“The main goal of the activity is to gather the maximum number of commitments via social media,” Marasigan said.