The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection – Pasig (BFP-Pasig), conducted a joint drill inside the Meralco Operating Center in Ortigas, Pasig City as part of the first Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) for 2023. The said drill simulated a 7.2-magnitude earthquake and performed different exercises on fire suppression, high angle rescue, emergency medical response, and patient transport which was conducted simultaneously with the evacuation of more than 1,900 employees within the compound.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) resumed the in-person NSED this year after a 3-year hiatus following lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSED is a quarterly drill implemented by the national government to promote disaster preparedness among Filipinos.
Meralco is one with the government in promoting safety and disaster preparedness through different exercises and programs. “We support the quarterly NSED to ensure the safety of our employees and customers by continuously building our capability and preparedness to respond to any emergencies,” Engr. Abuel said. Aside from this joint drill, the MERALCO Rescue Fire Brigade has been working together with the BFP-Pasig in fire suppression operations in nearby communities after MERALCO’s inclusion in the BFP-Pasig running card system.