Leyte, Philippines – On May 17, 2024, the Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) successfully conducted an earthquake drill, organized by the Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO), Planning Office, and the Campus Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Team. This activity marked a vital step in reinforcing the university’s commitment to disaster preparedness and community safety.

The drill brought together a wide range of participants, including students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and contract of service staff, all under the full support of Campus Director Ma’am Mary Jean P. Yanger. The event was further strengthened by the presence of the Carigara Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction (MDRR) Staff, who provided expert guidance and hands-on assistance throughout the simulation.

Earthquake drills like this are essential for cultivating a culture of readiness. By simulating real-life scenarios, they help individuals respond calmly and effectively during seismic events. These exercises reduce panic, improve emergency planning, and foster coordination among campus departments and local disaster response teams. Most importantly, they build a resilient mindset—one that prioritizes safety, preparedness, and collective action.

This initiative reflects EVSU Carigara’s proactive approach to risk management and its dedication to safeguarding the campus community. Through regular drills and collaborative efforts, the university continues to strengthen its capacity to respond to natural disasters and protect its constituents.

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good health and well-being; and SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities