September 11, 2025 — Union School International (USI) in Baguio City actively participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), a government-led initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response capabilities across the country.
Spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the NSED encourages schools, government agencies, private institutions, and the general public to rehearse their response to a major earthquake scenario.
At exactly 9:30 a.m., the school initiated the drill with the sounding of two long bells — the signal for a simulated earthquake. In response, students, faculty, and staff immediately performed the standard "Duck, Cover, and Hold" protocol to protect themselves from potential falling debris.
Following the initial response, all individuals calmly evacuated their classrooms and offices, proceeding in an orderly fashion to the school’s designated evacuation area. A headcount was conducted to ensure that all were accounted for, reinforcing the importance of situational awareness and coordination during emergencies.
School administrators praised the collective discipline and seriousness of the participants. “Preparedness saves lives”. Activities like this one help us cultivate a culture of safety and readiness within our school community.
Union School International remains committed to supporting government initiatives on disaster resilience and ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and personnel.