From ‘duck, cover, and hold’ to a way of life: Building Bukidnon’s quake survival skills

In Kalilangan, disaster preparedness dominated the day as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-10 led the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 12, testing the community’s disaster readiness.

Rescue teams and volunteer workers from the local government worked in tandem, rehearsing evacuation and search-and-rescue operations under the Incident Command System. Every movement, from securing open spaces to coordinating units, reflected a singular goal: to act fast, act right, and save lives.

OCD-10 Regional Director Antonio B. Sugarol said the drill transcends routine compliance.

“Our NSED tests capacity within the Incident Command System, Emergency Operations Centers, and response clusters,” said Sugarol, who also chairs the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The exercise measured coordination and decision-making—important factors in saving lives during emergencies. It also served as a convergence point for agencies and volunteers to assess strengths and refine response plans.

Kalilangan Mayor Raymond Charl O. Gamboa emphasized the critical risks for the hazard-prone municipality.

“NSED strengthens awareness, tests readiness, and reinforces techniques like ‘duck, cover, and hold,’” Gamboa said.

Beyond structured response lies a deeper mission. It is about empowering citizens. Both OCD-10 and the local government of Kalilangan emphasized that preparedness begins at home, encouraging residents to master critical actions that can protect lives in the seconds during a quake. These practiced responses remain vital before professional help arrives.

Held quarterly, the NSED institutionalizes a culture of resilience in a country frequently exposed to natural hazards. By normalizing these drills, authorities aim to reduce casualties through readiness at every level, from command centers to households.

Sugarol explained that strong systems must be paired with community participation. “This exercise identifies our weaknesses while fostering unity among agencies serving Kalilangan,” he said.

As the sirens faded, the message remained clear: preparedness is a continuing commitment, not a one-time effort. Through sustained collaboration, Kalilangan is no longer just reacting to disaster. It is staying one step ahead. (NFAM/PIA-10/Bukidnon)