In a first for the Xavier University Basic Education cluster, the Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School units conducted a cluster-wide earthquake drill on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at 9:03 in the morning.
The drill aimed to validate safe, orderly evacuation across all school levels; test command, control, and coordination under a unified incident structure; assess communication systems and information flow; verify accountability through headcount and student-safety procedures; and strengthen preparedness and campus safety culture.
Grade School principal, Mr Danilo T Zapanta, said that it was a breakthrough initiative to ensure safety and welfare of all the stakeholders of the basic education community.
Ahead of the activity, each unit carried out practice drills and conducted orientations and trainings, alongside the formation of response teams and the finalization of preparedness plans. These preparations were put into practice during the simulated earthquake and the coordinated response that followed.
Campus-wide preparedness. Students from the Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School units of the Xavier University
Basic Education cluster participate in evacuation and safety procedures during the BE-Wide Earthquake Drill on 3 March. The exercise trains students
to practice duck- cover-hold, safely evacuate buildings, and assemble at designated areas as part of the school’s disaster preparedness program.
“The BE-wide earthquake drill demonstrates that our units take preparedness seriously and understand that safety is a shared responsibility,” said Ms Lea Lilibeth B Emata, Junior High School principal.
The exercise was supported by partner agencies, including the Philippine Red Cross, the Office of Civil Defense, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which provided observations and recommendations to further strengthen disaster readiness across XU Basic Education campuses.
After the return-to-building signal was issued, representatives from the participating agencies commended the school community for the success of the drill.
Coordinated response. Administrators, teachers, school personnel, and partner emergency agencies carry out evacuation, medical response,
communication, and procedures during the Xavier University Basic Education cluster’s first BE-Wide Earthquake Drill on 3 March. The exercise
brought together the Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School units to test unified command, emergency
coordination, and campus safety protocols.
“Coordination between units was generally smooth, with effective teamwork and clear directives. While there were initial challenges, all Incident Commanders (ICs) of the three units quickly adapted, and cohesive operations ensued. Thanks to our thorough planning, internal drills, and previous experiences,” shared Dr Rogelio L Gawahan, Senior High School principal and Unified Incident Commander (UIC), on behalf of VP for Basic Education Dr Pamela Q Pajente.
The joint exercise marked a significant step toward improving campus safety and resilience, underscoring the continuing need to sustain preparedness efforts and refine response capabilities.