In a bold display of community preparedness and proactive governance, the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) is set to conduct the 5th City-Wide Full-Scale Earthquake and Tsunami “Shake Out” Simulation Exercise on July 25, as part of the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM).
This initiative, which will begin at 9 a.m., seeks to strengthen not only the capability of emergency responders but also the readiness of ordinary citizens when faced with natural disasters. Acting CDRRMO Training Supervisor Lyndon Ancajas emphasized the vital role of public participation, noting that real disaster resilience starts at the community level.
“Disaster preparedness is not just a task for responders. Every Dabawenyo has a role to play. We’ve seen from past drills how important these exercises are in helping people stay calm and make the right decisions during actual emergencies,” said Ancajas during a recent I-Speak Media Forum.
Since the first full-scale Shake Out drill in 2017 (with a pause during the pandemic years), the city has steadily advanced in building a culture of readiness. Schools, malls, and various establishments now routinely practice life-saving protocols like “duck, cover, and hold,” while many have institutionalized evacuation procedures and emergency medical support.
“Whenever there’s a real earthquake, you can now see people—especially in schools and public places—applying what they’ve learned. There’s a growing sense of awareness and discipline, and this is a direct result of the drills we’ve conducted,” Ancajas added.
But despite this progress, challenges remain. Ancajas admitted that perfect execution of emergency protocols is still elusive, which is why simulations like the Shake Out continue to be vital. “This isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about practicing so we can minimize mistakes when real disasters strike,” he explained.
Beyond the drill, the CDRRMO has lined up other meaningful activities to mark the NDRM. These include townhall sessions with barangay leaders and stakeholders to tackle issues like disaster budgeting, suspension of classes, public health updates (including monkeypox and new COVID-19 variants), and emergency camp coordination. A blood donation drive and a tree-planting activity are also scheduled—reinforcing the idea that building resilience isn’t just about reaction but prevention and recovery as well.
The importance of such activities cannot be overstated. Earthquakes and tsunamis are unpredictable, and the first few seconds of a disaster are critical. A well-informed and trained community can spell the difference between chaos and control, between survival and tragedy.
As climate change intensifies and the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to natural calamities, cities like Davao are leading by example—proving that disaster preparedness is not a one-day effort, but a long-term commitment involving every sector of society.
The CDRRMO once again calls on all Dabawenyos to participate in the Shake Out on July 25. Because in times of disaster, preparedness is not just a policy—it’s a lifeline.