In line with the PMO MO/C’s continuing cooperation with the government for the promotion of disaster awareness and preparedness, the Ports of Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan, Benoni and Opol have once again participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on 16 September 2021.

The PMO, headed by Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac Jr., attended the online program and the ceremonial pressing of the button organized by NDRRMC via video teleconference. At exactly 9:00 in the morning, the drill commenced.

More than 150 participants joined the drill including the personnel of cargo handling operators, port workers, force multipliers, and passengers, who executed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” while the simulated earthquake indicated by the siren of the fire alarm system was ongoing for a minute.

As part of the minimum public health protocols, all were reminded to comply with the minimum public health standards throughout the drill and to stay in their respective workstations instead of evacuating the building to avoid mass gathering at the designated evacuation areas.

The Command Center (ComCen), the central communication hub of the Port of Cagayan de Oro, managed by the Port Police Division, conducted a net call to all stations for emergency reporting and other security protocols as part of the communications drill during emergencies. The drill was officially concluded after the Port’s Station Commander signaled the termination.