By Leee Roy B. Cubero | 10:50 PM September 08, 2022
Manga National High School in Tagbilaran City has joined the third quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill (NSED) held on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
The quake simulations sent teachers and students fleeing buildings, ducking for cover under desks and seeking shelter in open spaces where first aid tents and responders await.
Most of them were reminded of the real thing—a 7.2-magnitude quake on Oct. 15, 2013, that destroyed centuries-old churchee, displaced thousands and killed at least 200 people.
Students said the drill offered lessons they would remember- the importance of preparedness.
The third quarter NSED was held face-to-face for the first time since the pandemic and following strong quakes that jolted areas across the country recently, particularly the magnitude 7.0 shaker that devastated Abra last month.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer, in a video message posted at the agency’s Facebook page Tuesday night, said that all stakeholders are encouraged to launch drills simultaneously in support of the NSED while strictly observing minimum public health standards.
“We will be conducting the third quarter NSED on September 8 for this year. I am inviting you all to take part in the duck, cover and hold drills once the sirens sound exactly at 9 am. Earthquakes can strike anytime so it will be better for us to be prepared,” he said.
