In its continuous commitment to disaster preparedness, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), led by City Mayor Jose “Bonito” Singson Jr., in partnership with the Divine Word College of Vigan (DWCV), held the First Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on March 13, 2025.
Students of DWCV actively participated in the drill, performing the Duck, Cover, and Hold technique followed by an organized evacuation procedure.
Meanwhile, the Vigan Emergency Response Team (VERT), along with the DWCV Criminology students, executed a search and rescue operation and administered first aid treatment to simulated victims while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Criminology OJT students conducted a fire drill. In addition, the City Engineering Office also conducted a rapid structural assessment to ensure the safety and stability of buildings.
The execution of the drill was evaluated by CDRRM Officer Milagros Alquiza, Vigan City Police Chief PLTCOL Reynaldo C. Mendoza Jr., FSUPT Bonifacio C. Sacatrapos Jr., LGOO VI Cynthia Pe Benito, LGOO II Amer Jerel De Castro, LGOO II AC Boy Tano, Red Cross Representative Jethro Rafanan, and OIC-Administrator Ma. Roxane Villanueva, CHRM Officer Ma. Raissa Villanueva, Assistant City Administrator for Barangay Affairs Jazel De Leon, and Architect Nico Pilotin.
CPSDRRMO Milagros Alquiza expressed her gratitude to DWCV, led by DWCV President Rev. Fr. Edsel R. Demillo, SVD, for their support in making the event a success. The drill’s results were later discussed with teachers and personnel to identify areas for improvement.
Furthermore, Vigan City Hall employees also took part in the observance of the NSED, practicing safety protocols within their respective offices.
