August 22, 2018 – In consonance with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum 17 series of 2018 dated 29 January 2018 regarding the conduct of the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), port personnel and port stakeholders of PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro and its Terminal Management Offices of Camiguin and Balingoan participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill for the 3rd Quarter of CY 2018 on 16 August 2018 at 2:00 P.M.

During the simulated occurrence of an earthquake, a total of 318 participants, at the Baseport and Terminal Offices, performed the “DROP, COVER AND HOLD” for one minute. Thereafter, the participants immediately evacuated the buildings and proceeded to the designated Assembly Areas for the headcount of personnel. Meantime, Engineering personnel conducted damage assessment and structural integrity inspection of port facilities to ensure business continuity of the port.

The PMO continues to conduct emergency drills as part of its campaign to promote widespread awareness among employees and port stakeholders, and to test the response mechanism of the Office when responding to emergencies. Moreover, it also serves as a venue to review and revise the responses and/or action plans in earthquake preparedness and capacity building of the Port Management Office and its respective Terminal Management Offices. — By RP Nalzaro