In adherence to the guidelines set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Montessori De Sagrada Familia Elementary Department carried out the Fourth Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, November 9.
With the primary objective of preparing the Sagradan community, including students, faculty, and staff for emergencies, the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) committee, led by Mr. Glenn Paul Beltran, Campus Management Officer (CMO), fronted the unannounced mandatory drill, which commenced at 9:00 in the morning.
As the initial bell rang, Sagradans, still inside their classrooms, assumed the duck, cover, and hold position under their desks. Subsequent alarms prompted them to line up, with students from upper floor levels safely descending the stairs to the department’s parking area, designated as the evacuation point.
During this descent, students utilized books as protective covers for their heads. The CMO commended students for their quick thinking in using books as head covers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their heads during an earthquake, but commented that some students need to find a thicker book next time.
“Nak, ayos ‘yan, pero sa susunod, mas makapal pa,” Mr. Beltran advised some students who were covering their head with notebooks.
Mentally and physically prepared on what to do in case of any event, Sagradans returned to their respective homerooms by 9:10 a.m.
“Hindi lang mga scouts, kundi dapat talaga lahat laging handa sa gagawin, anticipation is crucial.” Audrick Seraphiel Pacia, a scout leader, shared in an ambush interview.