As one of the lead agencies in disaster response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joins the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the conduct of the 2016 3rd quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Wednesday, September 28.

The NSED campaign, dubbed as #Pagyanig Challenge on social media, was developed by the OCD to promote the importance of disaster preparedness against earthquakes and urge consistent public participation in the execution of the earthquake drill.

The public is highly encouraged to accept/join the #Pagyanig Challenge by posting their photos and videos on their Facebook and Twitter accounts using the said hashtag before and after the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill.

The DSWD central and field offices are set to participate in the NSED and #Pagyanig Challenge to help reinforce public awareness and preparedness on earthquake hazards and effective disaster management response.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo also expressed her support for the campaign and said that, “It is important for all stakeholders to join the earthquake drill in order to increase their awareness on their responsibilities and roles in disaster situations.” ###