Laoag City steps up preparations for All Saints’ Day, nationwide earthquake drill

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has convened a coordination meeting with local government offices and emergency response agencies to prepare for the observance of All Saints’ Day and the fourth-quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in 2026.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), City Health Office, City Tourism Office, General Services Office, Liga ng mga Barangay of Laoag City, and other concerned offices.

Discussions focused on traffic management, security, medical assistance, emergency response, and the coordination of personnel and resources to ensure public safety during the observance.

Authorities are preparing for the expected influx of people visiting cemeteries and other public areas during All Saints’ Day, when families traditionally gather to honor their departed loved ones.

The meeting also covered preparations for the fourth-quarter NSED, which aims to reinforce emergency preparedness and improve coordination among participating offices and response agencies in the event of an earthquake.

The Liga ng mga Barangay of Laoag City, led by Roque “Rbee” C. Ablan, is working with the city government under Mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid and partner agencies to ensure barangays are informed of the preparations and ready to support public safety initiatives.

The coordination effort seeks to strengthen communication among agencies, ensure the availability of personnel and resources, and facilitate a coordinated response to emergencies.

Through the joint preparations, the city government aims to promote an orderly observance of All Saints’ Day while strengthening Laoag City’s readiness to respond to disasters and other emergencies.