Saint Louis University (SLU), actively participated in the 2025 First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), as advised by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS). Spearheaded by the SLU Campus Planning, Maintenance, and Security Department (CPMSD), the drill took place in the afternoon of 13 March 2025 in all SLU campuses.
In line with the memorandum of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC), at 2:00 p.m., the alarm went off to signal the one-minute drill simulation. Immediately, Louisians performed the Duck, Cover, and Hold (DCH) protocol in their respective classrooms and offices.
Participants were instructed to grab objects within reach to protect their heads and calmly evacuate to the identified evacuation areas using the predetermined exits available in their location if feasible. Since the schedule simultaneous earthquake drill does not require participants to evacuate and gather in one spot, participants are expected to be grouped together according to class, offices, and units they belong to.
To ensure overall awareness and preparedness in the face of emergencies, the public is urged to participate in the conduct of drills by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (LDRRMO) and enforce national and local safety plans, policies, and systems as stated in Rule 6, Section 7 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act (RA) 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (DRRM Act).
The simultaneous earthquake drill affirms SLU’s commitment to maintaining and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals primarily No. 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as well as No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as the drill allowed participants to practice safety procedures and strengthen each one’s natural instincts during possible earthquakes reducing adverse effects of said phenomenon. (Article by Jaymark Borja, UIO Intern | Photos by Aivian Culanag, Michael John Dadd and Faithe Janerie Dugay, UIO Interns; Ryjane Tunac and Daniel Amanbert Galut of SCHEMA | Carmelo James Cardenas, Harriet Denise Sagum, and Mica Lourein T. Martin of The Louisian)
