The four (4) Regional Centers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 – Central Visayas participated in the Second Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) grounds.

The exercise focused on the evacuation protocols of the four centers in the event of a nighttime earthquake. Participants were assessed based on their existing alarm systems and evacuation plans.

According to feedback from the observers, security guards and house parents assigned to the night shift were alert and equipped with their GoBags. Moreover, staff were encouraged to further enhance their skills in search and rescue, counseling, and stress debriefing.

Representatives from the DSWD Central Office—Imee Rose Castillo of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) and Danilo Deinla of the Protective Services Bureau, also shared their recommendations for improvement.

DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Lucero emphasized the importance of keeping the regional centers equipped in case a disaster happens. “Our regional centers in Labangon stand as pillars of compassion and care for the most vulnerable in Central Visayas – children, persons with disabilities, women in crisis, and families facing hardship. Their safety is non-negotiable. That’s why we are committed to continuously upgrading our facilities, enhancing our capabilities, and investing in our people to ensure that no matter the disaster—we remain ready, resilient, and reliable in the service of our communities.”

Personnel from the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), including Jerwin Bacaling, Sheena Spica Melicor, Glorymae Cuyos, and King Lim, along with evaluators from the Bureau of Fire Protection, facilitated the assessment during the drill. ###