12 September 2025 | News by PISD
In line with the advocacy to enhance the promotion of disaster preparedness in the province, the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro (PGOM) joined the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on 11 September at Bulalacao Municipal Hall.
Led by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) headed by PDRRM Officer Vinscent B. Gahol, this initiative aligns with the directive of Governor Humerlito “Bonz†A. Dolor to enhance the resilience of communities in the province against environmental disasters.
According to PDRRM Officer Gahol, these activities are essential to ensure that communities are equipped with sufficient knowledge and capabilities to respond during disasters like earthquakes.
At the beginning of the drill, participants simultaneously performed the “duck, cover, and hold†positions as initial response to earthquake scenario, followed by setting up a command post, medical post, and other related operations.
Various simulations of rescue operations were also demonstrated, including high-angle rope rescue for two individuals trapped at the second floor of the municipal building, fire suppression in one part of the building, and responding to looting incident within the municipality.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lumel Cabagay and Vice-Mayor German Acosta expressed their gratitude to PGOM for choosing their town as the venue of NSED, which according to them served as an opportunity to strengthen the capabilities of Bulalacao for disaster preparedness.
Respondents to the drill were personnel from PDRRMO, MDRRMO, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Health Office, Bulalacao Police Station, Mobile Force Company, Special Action Force, 4th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, MHO, MSWDO, BHW, and barangay police of Brgy. Poblacion.
DILG Provincial Director Frederick C. Gumahol, Bulalacao SB Chairperson, Committee on DRRM Engr. Moises Osorio, representatives from the Provincial DOH, and PIO also participated in the activity.
NSED in Bulalacao is a proof of the strengthened coordination between government agencies and the Local Government in ensuring the safety of every Mindoreño.