LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – More than 400 civil engineering students from the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) participated in the first quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in Batac City on March 25.

The activity aims to familiarize participants with emergency response protocols, aiming to mitigate impacts and prevent further casualties.

This is also one of the government’s efforts to foster disaster preparedness and community resilience.

As “future builders and engineers”, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), has chosen the university’s College of Engineering (COE) as the pilot area to inspire civil engineering students in ensuring the proper and right construction of edifices.

“Earthquake does not kill people; buildings do. This poses a big challenge to future builders and engineers of our roads, bridges, and our houses. That you must take into heart the different mechanisms to ensure that all our buildings are safe,” said Marcell Tabije, PDRRM Officer.

It can be remembered that the province of Ilocos Norte was affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Northern Luzon in 2022. It was found that some affected establishments do not follow the national building code.

Thus, Tabije encouraged the public to be prepared as there is no technological advancement or innovation that could predict earthquakes.

In her message, MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis thanked the Office of the Civil Defense and PGIN for choosing the university as their pilot area for the first quarter drill.

She said they regularly conduct earthquake drills as they consider this activity crucial to strengthening their preparedness during disasters.

“Today’s drill is crucial for strengthening our preparedness and improving our response strategies, and ensuring the safety of the communities,” said Agrupis.

A simulation exercise was also conducted to illustrate the preparedness of the university and government agencies in rescue operations, fire suppression, and medical response.

Students were quick to duck, cover, and hold in their desks and tables at the sound of the siren at 9:00 a.m., alerting the start of the drill.

During the evaluation, the MMSU received a satisfactory remark from the members of the disaster council for their performance during the earthquake drill. (MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)