The Port Management Office (PMO) of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro, along with its Terminal Management Offices, successfully conducted the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on November 14, 2024, reinforcing its disaster preparedness strategy. The exercise covered ten port facilities and offices within the region, marking a significant step in ensuring that the PMO’s personnel, infrastructure, and port stakeholders are fully prepared for earthquake-related emergencies.
The NSED aimed to assess and enhance the emergency response capabilities of port personnel and their ability to effectively manage the risks associated with earthquakes and other natural disasters. This drill was particularly crucial as it involved not only the PMO staff but also critical port stakeholders, emphasizing a holistic approach to disaster resilience and public safety. By engaging all key participants, the drill reaffirmed the PMO’s commitment to building a disaster-resilient port community.
During the drill, participants practiced the “duck, cover, and hold” maneuver, which is a fundamental technique designed to protect individuals during the shaking of an earthquake. Following the initial response, participants conducted an orderly evacuation of the buildings, adhering to established safety protocols and gathering at designated assembly points. A key feature of the exercise was the radio net call, during which the incident commander received live updates on the status of the port facilities and personnel. This facilitated smooth coordination, ensuring that the emergency response was efficient and timely.
In addition to the port’s internal activities, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) played an essential role in the NSED 2024. The Coast Guard vessel MRRV 4408 docked at the Port of Balingoan early in the morning on October 14, 2024, at 7:00 AM, ready to transport a team of responders to Camiguin Island. The vessel departed at 8:00 AM, carrying nine responders who were set to participate in a series of earthquake preparedness exercises upon their arrival at the island.
This coordinated effort underscored the strength of regional collaboration in disaster response. The MRRV 4408’s involvement demonstrated the Philippine Coast Guard’s capacity to enhance disaster preparedness and response across the region. The vessel’s participation in the NSED was also a critical component of the Full-Scale Exercise and Communication Exercise, which focused on strengthening the coordination and effectiveness of earthquake response efforts.
Later that day, the MRRV 4408 called at the Port of Balbagon at 12:19 PM, where it transported additional disaster response personnel from Misamis Oriental to participate in the earthquake drill. The vessel also played a key role in a simulated evacuation procedure, showcasing its capability to conduct Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) operations in the event of a disaster.
The success of this year’s NSED serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, communication, and coordination in times of crisis, reinforcing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding lives and ensuring the continuity of operations during natural disasters.
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