MANILA, PHILIPPINES (21 February 2019) – Employees of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) participated in the “duck, cover and hold” exercise on Thursday afternoon (February 21, 2019) for the first quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill.

The simultaneous earthquake drill was initiated by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to raise awareness on what to do and what to avoid during and after an earthquake to prevent injury and eventualities as well as to test the response plans of agencies should an earthquake occur.

Led by CCC Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman, all employees were also instructed to move out of the building upon hearing the siren, which lasted for about 30 seconds. They moved at the nearest exit in an orderly manner and gathered in a safe area for evacuation and head count.

CCC Secretary De Guzman said that through this exercise, it would further strengthen disaster preparedness through public participation to minimize risks during an earthquake.