ILOILO City – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 has urged local governments and partner agencies to sustain community-level preparedness efforts following the success of the two-day Regional Earthquake and Tsunami Drill held across Western Visayas on October 23–24.
OCD regional director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chairperson Raul Fernandez commended the unified performance of participating local government units (LGUs), national agencies, and civic organizations, describing the simulation as proof that “preparedness is everyone’s duty.”
“Your unity and determination have made this regional drill an overwhelming success. Each contribution — whether it be in planning, execution, or coordination — strengthens our collective readiness for real-life emergencies,” Fernandez said.
He stressed that the regional drill not only tested coordination and communication systems but also demonstrated the growing disaster awareness at the community level.
“Together, we are not just enhancing safety; we are forging a more resilient future for Western Visayas,” he added.
The large-scale simulation, held in six provinces and Iloilo City, aimed to evaluate response coordination, identify operational gaps, and heighten public consciousness about earthquake and tsunami hazards. Activities included full-scale evacuation exercises, command post coordination, and community education workshops led by local disaster councils and educators.
A major component of the exercise focused on familiarizing residents with safe evacuation procedures and early warning cues during seismic and tsunami events. Fernandez said the activity underscored the value of preparedness and local capacity-building.
“Familiarity breeds confidence,” he emphasized. “Knowing what to do and where to go during an earthquake significantly reduces the likelihood of panic during emergencies.”
OCD-6 highlighted that empowering local communities through continuous education and simulation drills remains central to its mission of building long-term resilience.
“The success of this drill is a testament to your hard work and dedication,” Fernandez declared. “As we move forward, let’s commit to continuous improvements in our disaster preparedness efforts and reinforce a culture of safety within our communities.”
The drills were simultaneously carried out in Antique, Iloilo Province, and Iloilo City on October 23, and in Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras on October 24. OCD-6 said the experience will serve as a model for refining future regional and national disaster exercises.
Fernandez concluded with a call for sustained vigilance: “The journey is far from over; it requires our collective engagement every day.”/PN
