The Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) community participated in the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on November 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM, bringing together teaching and non-teaching personnel, students, and College officials to promote earthquake preparedness and strengthen a culture of safety across the institution.

The activity provided an opportunity for the BASC community to practice the appropriate response during an earthquake, particularly the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure and the orderly evacuation of buildings toward designated safe open spaces and assembly areas.

During the one-minute siren, participants immediately performed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure to protect themselves from possible falling objects. After the siren stopped, they calmly and systematically evacuated their respective buildings and proceeded to designated assembly areas. Faculty members guided and assisted their students throughout the exercise, while designated student leaders helped facilitate the evacuation in their assigned areas.

The NSED was conducted through the initiative of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of the Local Government Unit of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, in collaboration with the BASC National Service Training Program (NSTP), led by its Unit Head, Ms. Pilar P. Vicmudo. The activity was supported by the Office of the General Services and Security Training Unit (GSSTU), headed by its Director, Dr. Robert A. Capalad; KALASAG; Bravo Company of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve; and the University Student Council (USC). Their combined efforts and coordination contributed to the successful conduct of the drill.

Following the exercise, an accompanying program featured messages from representatives of partner agencies and BASC officials, emphasizing the importance of disaster readiness, discipline, and collective responsibility in ensuring community safety.

Mr. King Charlie S. Flores, representing the San Ildefonso LGU MDRRMO, and SPO1 Dominic Sulit of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) shared insights on disaster preparedness and appropriate responses during emergencies. Sgt. Meljan R. De la Cruz (ARM) of the Philippine Army also delivered a message, highlighting the importance of discipline and cooperation in carrying out emergency procedures.

BASC President Dr. Jameson H. Tan, CESE, likewise emphasized the importance of preparedness and the shared responsibility of the College community in ensuring the safety of its members. Other officials and representatives who delivered messages were Mr. Gerwin DC. Reyes, IAS faculty member and NSTP Coordinator; Mr. Rommel V. Eguia, IAS faculty member and Safety Officer; and Mr. Jairus Jireh Sayson, University Student Council President.

Beyond practicing emergency procedures, the drill reinforced the importance of remaining calm, following safety instructions, and looking after one another during an earthquake. It also highlighted the value of regular exercises in familiarizing students and personnel with evacuation routes and designated assembly areas.

Through activities such as the NSED, BASC reinforces its commitment to maintaining a safe and disaster-resilient learning and working environment. The initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting community resilience and SDG 13: Climate Action by strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience to climate-related hazards. It also highlights the importance of collective action in building a safer and more prepared community.

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