The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), joined the 2026 Second Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), underscoring the government’s commitment to building a culture of preparedness and ensuring that public institutions are ready to respond when disaster strikes.

Around 1,000 personnel from the DILG and NAPOLCOM participated in the emergency simulation exercise, which tested response protocols, evacuation procedures, and coordination mechanisms designed to protect lives during major seismic events.

The Department emphasized that preparedness remains one of the most important responsibilities of government, particularly in a country highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural hazards. While disasters cannot always be prevented, their impact can be significantly reduced through planning, coordination, and regular drills that prepare people to act decisively in moments of crisis.

The National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen disaster resilience, improve public awareness of earthquake safety measures, and assess the effectiveness of existing contingency and response plans. Conducted simultaneously across the country, the exercise engages government agencies, local government units, schools, workplaces, and communities, making it one of the nation’s largest disaster preparedness initiatives.

The DILG likewise renewed its call for active public participation and a whole-of-nation approach to disaster risk reduction and management, emphasizing that resilience is built not only through government action but through the preparedness of every community and every Filipino.

The Department also urged all local government units (LGUs) to further strengthen coordination among local disaster response units and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, institutionalize the regular conduct of emergency drills, and ensure that contingency plans remain updated, responsive, and aligned with local risks.

In addition, the DILG encouraged LGUs to maximize the use of the Operation L!STO Manual on Disaster Preparedness for Earthquakes, which provides practical, science-based guidance to help local governments institutionalize preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation measures before, during, and after major seismic events.

As recent earthquakes in different parts of the country have shown, preparedness cannot begin when the ground starts shaking. It must be built long before disasters occur. Through sustained readiness efforts and strong coordination at all levels of government, communities can become safer, more resilient, and better equipped to protect lives when emergencies arise.