San Fernando, Pampanga- On April 21 at exactly 9:00 a.m., the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region III (DILG-R3) participated in the 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) to ensure preparedness during complications of an actual earthquake.

To start the earthquake drill, the siren alarmed for a minute signaling the personnel to perform the standard procedure of "duck, cover and hold" during earthquake. After the alarm, everyone went out, and proceeded to the Evacuation Assembly Area in front of the building covering their heads, and following the evacuation plan posted in each room. The assigned team leader per division or section did headcount to assure that all employees are present in the assembly area.

Spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense, the NSED was conducted simultaneously nationwide to educate the public how to respond during an earthquake. It is also a preparedness measure, especially for the possible 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the National Capital Region (NCR).