SM malls in the province of Bulacan actively participated in the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, reaffirming the retail giant’s commitment to disaster preparedness and business continuity.
The earthquake drill was held before regular mall hours at SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag, ensuring the safety of tenants and employees without disrupting mall operations. At exactly 9:00 a.m., a siren marked the start of the nationwide drill, prompting staff and tenants to carry out the standard “duck, cover, and hold” protocol in response to a simulated magnitude 7.2 earthquake.
The exercise extended beyond basic ground shaking simulations. Each mall’s Emergency Response Group (ERG) conducted evacuation and rescue procedures, including first aid response and scenario-based drills aimed at enhancing real-time decision-making during major seismic events.
“As part of our business continuity and risk reduction efforts, these drills help ensure that our employees and tenants are equipped to act quickly and efficiently during emergencies,” said SM City Marilao Assistant Mall Manager Engr. Janette C. Aguilera.
Refresher training sessions were also held, educating personnel on proper evacuation routes, life-saving techniques, and worst-case earthquake scenarios. These efforts aim to reinforce a culture of preparedness and strengthen coordination with local government units and disaster response agencies.
#############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
