On November 14, 2024, the Cooperative Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region Extension Office (CDA-CAR EO) personnel led by OIC-Regional Director Felicidad R. Cenon, PhD. actively participated in the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). The agency’s involvement in this activity was part of it’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the preparedness of its personnel, particularly in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. During the drill, the CDA-CAR EO personnel practiced key safety measures, focusing on emergency preparedness, appropriate response protocols, and the importance of timely evacuations while considering real earthquake scenarios.
The conduct of these drills are essential tools for creating a routine that ensures people instinctively react to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner. These helps reduce panic in real-life events by providing people with the practice and confidence they need to make quick decisions, thereby increasing the likelihood of survival and reducing the risk of injury. In times of disasters like earthquakes, knowing exactly what to do can be the difference between life and death.
The NSED serves as a vital reminder of the six key phases of an earthquake drill, which are critical to the effective management of any seismic event. These phases are:
- Alarm – The first indication of an earthquake, signaling individuals to take immediate action.
- Response – The critical actions taken in the first moments of the earthquake, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
- Evacuation – The safe and organized movement of personnel away from hazardous areas.
- Assembly – The gathering of individuals at a pre-designated safe area to ensure that everyone has evacuated safely.
- Head Count or Roll Call – The process of confirming that all personnel are accounted for and safe.
- Evaluation – A review of the drill’s effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that safety procedures are fully understood.
By practicing these essential safety protocols regularly, personnel from CDA-CAR EO aspire to empower themselves to respond with confidence during times of disasters. Further, through such proactive safety initiatives, the Authority is not only preparing for the worst-case scenarios but also reinforcing the importance of a unified, well-trained staff that can mitigate potential risks and help recover more quickly from the effects of a disaster.
