Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Central Office (CO) and Regional Fish Ports (RFP) joined in the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) organized by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) on June 28, 2024. 

Spearheaded by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), all government agencies were enjoined to participate in the nationwide event to assess the readiness of first responders and check the safety and efficiency of the deployment procedures.

PFDA Central Office employees participating in the 2nd nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill

The NSED scenario had a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurring due to the movement of the West Valley Fault heavily affecting Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.

PFDA employees participated and practiced the duck/drop, cover, and hold routine before going out of their respective buildings safely and organized. Their fast and effective response to the disaster was tested during the NSED.

PFDA-BFPC, PFDA-DFPC, PFDA-GSFPC and PFDA-ZFPC employees participating in the 2nd nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill

The PFDA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Committee members in the Central Office and RFPs led their co-employees to safety during the drill.

After the lobby guards sounded the alarm for 30 seconds, DRRM representatives and marshals used their whistles to signal the conduct of the earthquake protocol. Then, PFDA employees enact the “DUCK, COVER, and HOLD” for one minute. Afterward, DRRM representatives and marshals used whistles to signal evacuation and guide concerned departments to their designated exit areas. Subsequently, employees proceeded to an open area where their DRRM representatives and marshals manually counted the evacuated employees. 

PFDA-LFPC, PFDA-SFP, and PFDA-IFPC employees participating in the 2nd nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division with report and photos from PFDA Central Office Regional Fish Ports’ DRRM representatives)