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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila urges public to join national earthquake drill

Manila urges public to join national earthquake drill

Published Jun 18, 2026 08:29 am
Manila City Hall employees join the ceremonial pressing of the button at Kartilya ng Katipunan, marking the official start of the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. (Photos courtesy of Manila PIO)
Manila City Hall employees join the ceremonial pressing of the button at Kartilya ng Katipunan, marking the official start of the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. (Photos courtesy of Manila PIO)

The local government of Manila is urging the public to participate in the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill scheduled on Thursday morning, June 18, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.

The drill aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to do before, during, and after an earthquake, helping reduce risks and protect lives in times of disaster.

Employees and personnel at Manila City Hall have been advised to remain alert and listen for the siren, which will serve as the official signal to begin the exercise.

Once the siren sounds, participants are expected to perform designated safety procedures while remaining calm immediately.

An organized evacuation to the assigned assembly areas will follow shortly.

City officials emphasized the importance of full cooperation and discipline during the drill to ensure its success and to reinforce a culture of preparedness among residents and government workers alike.

Earlier, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso ordered all public schools in the city to conduct monthly earthquake drills during classes to better prepare students, teachers, and staff for potential disasters.

The directive, issued during the second quarter council meeting led by the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD), came in the wake of a strong earthquake that struck General Santos City and forms part of the city’s intensified disaster preparedness efforts.

Domagoso also instructed City Engineer Armando Andres to conduct thorough inspections of aging structures, particularly schools and hospitals, to ensure their structural integrity amid the continuing threat of a major earthquake or the so-called “Big One.”

The mayor stressed that ensuring preparedness should go hand in hand with guaranteeing the safety of public facilities used daily by residents.

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