OCD CALABARZON tests emergency response in quake drill

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) CALABARZON tested its emergency communication system and evacuation procedures on Thursday, 5 November, as part of the fourth-quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).

Under the leadership of Regional Director Carlos Eduardo E. Alvarez III, personnel conducted an office-wide evacuation exercise and tested the agency's call tree communication system to assess its readiness to respond to a major earthquake.

The exercise took place at the OCD regional office on the third floor of the Milan Prestige Building in Barangay Halang, Calamba City.

During the simulated ground shaking, personnel performed the "Duck, Cover, and Hold" procedure for one minute before evacuating the building and proceeding to the designated assembly area in front of the office.

The agency's Human Resource Management Unit subsequently conducted a personnel accounting exercise to verify the safety and whereabouts of employees.

As part of the communication test, the HR Unit head contacted personnel, including those conducting official business outside the office, to assess their situation following the simulated earthquake.

The drill also evaluated the agency's existing evacuation procedures and public service continuity plan, identifying areas for improvement in emergency coordination and response.

The nationwide exercise, coordinated by the OCD and disaster response agencies, also featured a magnitude 8.5 earthquake and tsunami simulation in Santa Ana, Cagayan, aimed at strengthening government and community preparedness for major disasters.

The OCD said the activity underscored the importance of regular preparedness exercises in ensuring personnel safety and maintaining essential public services during emergencies.