Airports across the Philippines conducted earthquake drills on March 25 as part of the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) to enhance preparedness for potential disasters.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) mobilized personnel at airports and area centers throughout the country to perform the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” protocol during the drill.
CAAP-operated airports that participated included Bicol, Basco, Palanan, Bagabag, Cauayan, Tuguegarao, San Jose, Subic, Sangley, Lubang, Calapan, Pinamalayan, Marinduque, Romblon, Plaridel, Iloilo, Kalibo, Bacolod, Roxas, Caticlan, and Antique.
“CAAP is aligned with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in raising awareness and preparedness for earthquakes through quarterly NSED,” CAAP said in a press release.
According to CAAP, the drills allow employees to practice proper safety protocols in the event of a major earthquake, often referred to as “The Big One.”
At the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the airport authority collaborated with airlines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and local disaster agencies to conduct an earthquake drill at Terminal 2’s Gate 17 between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
“This drill is to practice and ensure the necessary preparedness measures in the event of emergencies inside the MCIA grounds,” the MCIAA stated.
Area aviation centers also coordinated with stakeholders like the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit to develop comprehensive emergency response plans covering evacuation procedures and interdepartmental coordination during crises.
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