University of Luzon Joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

The University of Luzon demonstrated its unwavering commitment to institutional and community safety by successfully participating in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. The exercise, conducted in compliance with a memorandum from the Dagupan City Schools Division of the Department of Education, saw the coordinated participation of Luzonians and University staff, underscoring the institution’s robust disaster preparedness strategy.

The drill commenced promptly at 4:00 p.m. with the simulated alarm, signaling a seismic event. Immediately, students and employees across all academic buildings and administrative offices executed the “duck, cover, and hold” protocol, taking shelter under sturdy furniture. This swift and practiced response highlighted the effective dissemination of emergency protocols and the diligence of the campus community in prioritizing personal safety. Following the simulated shaking, participants methodically proceeded to designated evacuation assembly points, guided by the University’s well-trained safety marshals. The orderly and calm execution of the evacuation phase, from classroom to open grounds, was a testament to the extensive planning and regular training sessions facilitated by the University’s disaster risk reduction and management office.

Campus officials, including members of the University’s emergency response team, observed the drill to identify areas for refinement and to reinforce safety procedures. The exercise provided a crucial opportunity to test the integrity of evacuation routes, the efficiency of communication channels, and the overall readiness of the campus community to respond to a real-world disaster scenario. The successful completion of the drill reaffirms the University’s proactive stance on emergency preparedness, moving beyond a theoretical framework to a practical, campus-wide exercise in collective readiness. The administration expressed profound gratitude for the full cooperation of all students and staff, noting that such drills are not merely a compliance requirement but a fundamental part of cultivating a resilient and secure campus environment.

The successful conduct of this nationwide drill aligns directly with the University’s dedication to global sustainability goals. The activities undertaken during the NSED, which focus on proactive disaster response and community resilience, are particularly relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically Target 11.5, which aims to significantly reduce the number of deaths and people affected by disasters. Furthermore, the educational component of the drill, which imparts essential life-saving skills to Luzonians and staff, contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, by fostering knowledge and skills that promote sustainable development and a culture of safety. Through such initiatives, the University of Luzon continues to build a campus that is not only academically excellent but also fundamentally safe and resilient for all who learn and work within its walls.