Iloilo city: The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is anticipating the enthusiastic participation of local government units, government agencies, and stakeholders in the upcoming national simultaneous earthquake drill (NSED) scheduled for March 12. Memorandum Order 16 has been issued to encourage a temporary halt in schools, offices, and other local activities to facilitate the execution of the first quarter NSED.

According to Philippines News Agency, Melissa Banias, the Civil Defense Operations Section chief, highlighted Western Visayas' active compliance and participation in the NSED, particularly among schools mandated by the Department of Education. "We teach them to develop muscle memory on what to do in case of earthquakes," Banias stated during an interview on Thursday. She noted the effectiveness of regular drills, referencing the students' swift evacuation to safe areas during a recent magnitude 4.8 earthquake.

Banias mentioned the heightened awareness has led to an increase in requests for evaluators and technical assistance. The regional ceremonial launch for the March 12 NSED will take place in Aklan province at 3:30 p.m., featuring a scenario that includes evacuation procedures during earthquakes compounded by fire incidents.