ILIGAN City successfully participated in the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) yesterday, Nov. 6, showcasing its preparedness and coordination in response to earthquake scenarios at the Anahaw Amphitheater.

Armien Alorro, head of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (ICDRRMO), said the city has already trained safety officers and responders across various local government departments. These personnel executed their roles effectively during the drill, reflecting a well-coordinated system.

“As to the preparation in Iligan City, we have already trained safety officers and responders in various departments,” Alorro said.

For the first time, responders demonstrated a high-angle rope rescue, safely transporting a patient from an elevated area. This demonstration marks a significant milestone in Iligan’s disaster preparedness training.

FIRST RESPONDERS. Iligan’s trained safety officers and responders execute their tasks effectively during the 4th Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, ensuring a coordinated and swift emergency response. Photo by Bonita L. Ermac

“When you ask how prepared Iligan is for an earthquake, we can’t really say we are fully prepared — but we are ready,” Alorro said.

She emphasized that the most critical aspect is information dissemination — people must know to “duck, cover, and hold” during a quake and then calmly exit the building after 20 seconds.

In addition to the Anahaw Amphitheater, eight offsites, including schools and establishments, joined the drill and were also evaluated.

“Based on what we observed, the (local government) and the participants are well-prepared and well-informed,” said Police Executive Master Sergeant Alexander N. Tapac, Iligan City Police Station 3 Chief Clerk.

Tapac noted that the evacuation process was organized, and the quick response teams performed excellently — especially during the rappelling rescue of an injured victim. He expressed hope that by 2026, improvements could be made.

RESCUE OPS. Responders execute a high-angle rope rescue during the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, safely lowering a simulated patient from an elevated area. This successful maneuver marks a significant milestone in Iligan City’s disaster preparedness training. Photo by Bonita L. Ermac

Councilor Ramil C. Emborong thanked all evaluators and participants, stating that this 4th quarter NSED shows the city’s continuous improvement.

He also announced that the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (ICDRRMC) is set for its first reading to become a full-fledged Iligan City Disaster Risk Management Department, with its own future building.

Emborong invited the public to join the upcoming public hearing to provide suggestions on the proposed department.