17/06/2026
History in the Making: Nagsayaoan Named Ground Zero for Region I Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill
NAGSAYAOAN, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur —
For the first time in its history, Barangay Nagsayaoan will serve as the Ground Zero for a simulated earthquake impact as prt of the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).
The milestone comes as the Municipality of Sta. Maria proudly host the Region I leg of the nationwide drill, bringing together government agencies, emergency responders, local officials, and community stakeholders in a large-scale exercise aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response.
According to local officials, Nagsayaoan was deliberately chosen by the municipality due to its distinct geographical condition. Surrounded by bodies of water and with no nearby mountains or elevated trails for residents to flee to during a major disaster, the barangay presents a realistic scenario for testing emergency response strategies in vulnerable communities.
As the designated Ground Zero, Nagsayaoan will become the center of simulated rescue operations, emergency medical response, evacuation procedures, and inter-agency coordination. The exercise is expected to assess the readiness of responders while increasing public awareness on disaster risk reduction and management.
Residents, volunteers, and participating organizations are set to take part in the drill, highlighting the importance of community involvement in building resilience against natural hazards.
The event will also be telecast live through the official page of the Office of Civil Defense (Civil Defense PH), allowing audiences across the country to witness the Region I simulation and the collaborative efforts of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office I (RDRRMO I), Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS) and its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Municipality of Sta. Maria headed by Mayor Michael S. Florendo and Barangay Nagsayaoan.
This historic undertaking not only marks a first for Nagsayaoan but also showcases the municipality’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness, reinforcing the message that readiness and cooperation are essential in safeguarding lives and communities. # # #