LAGUNA, Philippines – Local government units from the provincial to the barangay level, private and public learning institutions, and residents of Laguna participated in the #Pagyanig 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on Wednesday, June 22.

The central location of the drill in the CALABARZON region – comprising the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon – was at Camp Vicente Lim, Barangay Mayapa, in Calamba City, Laguna. The emergency operations center was also established in the area.

All offices located at Camp Vicente Lim – headquarters of Police Regional Office IV-A, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology IV-A, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency IV-A, National Forensic Science Training Institute, National Fire Training Institute, National Police Training Institute, Highway Patrol Group IV-A, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group IV-A, and Bureau of Fire Protection IV-A – were represented in the drill.

Municipal officials led the schools and communities in their respective towns during the earthquake drill.

Aldwin Cejo of the Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) told Rappler that this kind of practice is truly beneficial.

“After this earthquake drill, we are expecting that there will be less casualties if ever an actual disaster strikes. Everyone who participated now know what they will do in case earthquake strikes in Laguna,” Cejo said.

Getting ready for #Pagyanig! Early meeting with Dir Tomazar (OCD4A), Dir Madrigal (DOST4A), Dir Diokno (DSWD) pic.twitter.com/JcPGW9Sggv

— CIVIL DEFENSE 4A (@ocd_calabarzon) June 21, 2016

Volunteers showed their appreciation for the drill, saying it helped them lessen their fear and stay calm in the event that a disaster happens. (READ: All you need to know about preparing for earthquakes)

Melvin Muralla, a utility personnel said,”You can’t help but feel a bit panicky but because of these practices, I am more confident on what to do. I am happy we’re doing this.”

The officials, organizers and volunteers also had a lunch boodle fight after the drill to show solidarity in disaster response.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) conducted the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill to test the preparedness plans and readiness of local government units in case a devastating earthquake hits the country. – Rappler.com