ANTIQUE – The Provincial Government of Antique, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), will conduct a province-wide simultaneous earthquake and tsunami drill today, October 23, at 3 p.m., to strengthen disaster preparedness and coordination across the province.
Gov. Paolo S. Javier expressed full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of preparedness at all levels.
“Disaster readiness starts with awareness and action. Through this province-wide drill, we aim to ensure that every Antiqueño knows what to do, where to go, and how to respond during an emergency. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
Two observers from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 will oversee the activity, which seeks to improve the province’s readiness for large-scale disasters.
According to the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO), the drill aims to strengthen earthquake and tsunami preparedness, enhance coordination among DRRM councils, partner agencies, schools, and communities, and test communication, alarm, and evacuation systems to ensure operational readiness and public safety.
The provincial drill site will cover the old and new capitol buildings and the legislative building in San Jose de Buenavista, where provincial employees and responders will simulate an earthquake-to-tsunami scenario. Meanwhile, the community site in Barangay 4, San Jose de Buenavista will focus on coastal evacuation procedures.
The alarm system for the drill will feature a one-minute continuous siren signaling the start of the earthquake simulation and five bell strikes indicating the tsunami warning. Municipalities may also use localized alert systems such as drum beats or tugtugan to warn coastal residents.
The drill will follow the standard safety sequence:
* Start of drill (earthquake alarm)
* Duck, Cover, and Hold
* Evacuation of buildings
* Tsunami evacuation for coastal areas
* Earthquake-induced landslide evacuation
The OPDRRMO is urging all municipal and provincial offices, barangays, schools, businesses, financial institutions, resorts, and other establishments to actively participate in the exercise.
“Preparedness saves lives. This province-wide drill is not just an exercise but a reminder for every Antiqueño to always be ready. Mag-uligmat kita,” said PDRRM Officer Broderick Train./PN
