To strengthen disaster preparedness, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) participated in the City-Wide Full-Scale Earthquake and Tsunami Simulation Exercise (SimEx) on July 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM in line with the directive of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and in compliance with Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
The drill, simultaneously conducted across Davao City, aimed to raise awareness and equip participants with life-saving response strategies in the event of a major earthquake followed by a tsunami. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the Obrero Campus joined the exercise, alongside residents of Barangay 18-B, highlighting community-wide collaboration and emergency responsiveness.
The simulation began with the sounding of a one-minute emergency siren, prompting participants to perform the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” maneuver. This was followed by an orderly evacuation to the designated open area in front of the campus center stage. A second siren signaled the onset of the tsunami simulation, prompting a vertical evacuation to pre-identified high-rise buildings.
To ensure safety and efficiency, USeP designated seven buildings for vertical evacuation. Classrooms on the third floor and above were opened to accommodate evacuees and minimize hallway congestion.
To ensure the smooth execution of the activity, an online orientation was conducted on July 23, 2025, spearheaded by the University’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Team, with Dr. Jose Alther M. Rivera serving as the Incident Commander.
University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr., in his capacity as the University-wide Responsible Officer, also delivered a message underscoring the value of simulation drills in deepening awareness and reinforcing the overall preparedness of the USeP community.
Based on the recommendations of the CDRRMO, individuals are advised to exit through Gate 1, follow J.P. Laurel Avenue and Bacaca Road, and proceed to the designated evacuation site in Barangay 19-B in the event of a large-scale emergency. Those with medical conditions or limited mobility are encouraged to seek refuge in high-rise campus buildings for vertical evacuation.
