An earthquake drill was held in Catarman today, March 9, 2023, kickstarting at the Catarman Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) premises, and another simultaneously held at the Northern Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). A quick briefing was first made with the participants to acquaint them as to the flow of the activity. Each team carried out a separate scenario and emergency response to this type of disaster.

The drill was spearheaded by the Provincial Government thru the Provincial DRRM Office headed by Mr. Rei Josiah Echano, with Ms. K-Amleth Delorino as event coordinator, and participated by a composite team consisting of the BFP Special Rescue Force under the command of F03 Harlene Avestruz; the BFP Emergency Medical Services under the command of F03 Raymond Clint Licas; Catarman Airport Police Station under the command of PLT. Allan D. Maxillum; CAAP Staff and other volunteers. Ms. Ailene Diaz and Ms. Teresita Cardenas, Philippine Information Agency’s provincial manager and information officer respectively, were also present during the activity.

Pursuant to the advocacy of the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for the public to join in the First Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in their respective areas, the activity aims to prepare the community on how to react in the event of an earthquake or tsunami in the area.