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Advocates Philippines
DILG Allows LGUs To Conduct In-Person Earthquake Drill
Photo credit: DILG
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded local government units (LGUs) and DILG Regional Offices across the country that in-person or physical conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) is now allowed after a three-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an Advisory, DILG emphasized that the physical conduct of NSED is now permitted in accordance with the directive of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
"Pursuant to NDRRMC Memorandum No. 006 s. 2023, dated February 01, 2023, the conduct of in-person NSED is already allowed, provided that the minimum health protocols, such as, but not limited to, handwashing and social distancing are strictly implemented as much as practicable, to ensure effective, efficient and safe implementation of the NSED," said DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan in the advisory.
In the said Advisory, LGUs and DILG Regional Offices were directed to designate their respective Safety and Health Officers to ensure the implementation of minimum health protocols against COVID-19 during the simultaneous earthquake drill.
"The active participation of all disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs), including the barangay DRRM committees, is strongly encouraged," added Iringan.
NDRRMC organizes quarterly NSEDs aimed at raising awareness and preparedness of the public in case of earthquakes.
The 1st Quarter NSED was conducted on March 09, 2023, while the 2nd Quarter NSED is scheduled on June 08, the 3rd Quarter NSED on September 07, and the 4th Quarter NSED on November 09.
As the Vice-Chair for Disaster Preparedness of NDRRMC, DILG is expected to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and guide them in formulating disaster preparedness and resiliency measures in their localities.
According to DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr., NSED presents a good opportunity to test the effectiveness and usefulness of LGUs' disaster response measures.
"Because of our location, our country is among the most vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes. This is why our LGUs should prioritize programs aimed at strengthening their disaster risk reduction and management," said Abalos.
"Our Department expects active participation of local governments in conducting the quarterly NSED to foster a culture of disaster resilience in communities," added the Secretary.
In an Advisory, DILG emphasized that the physical conduct of NSED is now permitted in accordance with the directive of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
"Pursuant to NDRRMC Memorandum No. 006 s. 2023, dated February 01, 2023, the conduct of in-person NSED is already allowed, provided that the minimum health protocols, such as, but not limited to, handwashing and social distancing are strictly implemented as much as practicable, to ensure effective, efficient and safe implementation of the NSED," said DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan in the advisory.
In the said Advisory, LGUs and DILG Regional Offices were directed to designate their respective Safety and Health Officers to ensure the implementation of minimum health protocols against COVID-19 during the simultaneous earthquake drill.
"The active participation of all disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs), including the barangay DRRM committees, is strongly encouraged," added Iringan.
NDRRMC organizes quarterly NSEDs aimed at raising awareness and preparedness of the public in case of earthquakes.
The 1st Quarter NSED was conducted on March 09, 2023, while the 2nd Quarter NSED is scheduled on June 08, the 3rd Quarter NSED on September 07, and the 4th Quarter NSED on November 09.
As the Vice-Chair for Disaster Preparedness of NDRRMC, DILG is expected to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and guide them in formulating disaster preparedness and resiliency measures in their localities.
According to DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr., NSED presents a good opportunity to test the effectiveness and usefulness of LGUs' disaster response measures.
"Because of our location, our country is among the most vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes. This is why our LGUs should prioritize programs aimed at strengthening their disaster risk reduction and management," said Abalos.
"Our Department expects active participation of local governments in conducting the quarterly NSED to foster a culture of disaster resilience in communities," added the Secretary.
Apr 18, 2023
