Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Successfully Conducts National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) with Simulation Exercise (SimEx)
Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO) successfully conducted its campus-wide third quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) with Simulation Exercise yesterday at 9:00 AM. The Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, or NSED, is a quarterly exercise spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense to promote earthquake awareness and preparedness among the public. It also aims to strengthen the readiness of institutions in the event of strong ground shaking and its secondary hazards, such as fire, tsunami, and liquefaction.
During the simulation exercise, faculty, staff, and students instinctively dropped to the ground and sought shelter beneath desks, showcasing their training in the "Duck, Cover, and Hold" procedure while simulating the immediate actions required during an earthquake before evacuating the building using designated exits. The drill, organized in collaboration with PDRRMO, MDRRMO from Tomas Oppus and Malitbog, PNP, BFP, and health workers, featured a full-scale demonstration of safety measures. One highlight was a "High Angle Rescue" procedure, where rescue personnel demonstrated the use of a zipline to assist “victims.” Students had the opportunity to try the zipline themselves, gaining firsthand experience of emergency protocols.
Officials from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMO) emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness. "We’ve made it part of our culture to prepare ourselves for emergencies," stated a representative from MDRRMO Malitbog. Feedback sessions followed, during which representatives discussed the event's success and stressed the importance of community preparedness.
Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla, SLSU-TO Campus Director, reminded participants that while drills are important, the reality of an earthquake requires constant vigilance. The event concluded with a ceremony honoring participants' contributions, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring the safety of the campus community. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasizes the need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
The Main Campus together with the other campuses of the university, such as the Maasin City Campus, also participated in the conduct NSED.
