The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO), successfully conducted a Provincewide Nighttime Earthquake Evacuation Simulation Exercise on July 28, 2026, as one of the highlight activities of the CamSur Resilience Festival 2026. 

The large-scale simulation formed part of the province's 72-Hour Survival Challenge, bringing together local government units, emergency responders, and communities in a realistic disaster scenario designed to test preparedness, coordination, and operational capability during one of the most challenging emergency situations— “The Big One”.

Unlike conventional daytime drills, the exercise recreated the conditions of a Magnitude 7.2 earthquake striking at night, when families are at home, visibility is limited, and response decisions must be made under heightened pressure. The scenario included cascading hazards such as electrical fires caused by damaged power lines, collapsed structures, trapped victims, and mass evacuation operations.

Immediately following the simulated earthquake, the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated, earthquake advisories based on PHIVOLCS protocols were disseminated, and evacuation orders were issued for identified high-risk communities. Municipal/City and Barangays Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils likewise activated their respective EOC, Incident Management Teams, and Response Clusters, while Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams were deployed to assess the simulated impact and submit situational reports through the Provincial Infolink System.

The simulation strictly followed nationally recognized disaster response frameworks, including the Incident Command System (ICS), EOC protocols, Evacuation Camp Coordination and Camp Management (ECCCM) standards, and the provisions of Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

Seventeen pilot barangays across Camarines Sur simultaneously participated in the nighttime exercise, serving as live simulation sites where residents practiced organized evacuation, search and rescue, emergency medical response, evacuation camp management, and information management under realistic emergency conditions.

Beyond evaluating emergency systems, the exercise underscored the critical role of community participation in disaster preparedness.

For 61-year-old Angelita Sto. Domingo of Barangay Namuat, Gainza, the simulation provided practical knowledge that every family should possess before disaster strikes.

"Ini pong SIMEX nagtatao sa satuya ning mga kaaraman tungkol sa dapat gibuhon pag may kalamidad na dai ta man ngani inaasahan kun nuarin maabot, lalo na po ang paglindol. Maray na ma-experience ini kang mga ka-barangay ta asin dapat kada pamilya aram kung ano ang gigibuhon."

She emphasized that knowing the proper response during an earthquake can save lives.

"Halimbawa nakamati kita ning lindol, enot pong gigibuhon, mag-duck, cover, and hold. Mahanap kita ning lamesa kung sain kita makakatago para dai mahulugan nin ano man na bagay. Kada pamilya dapat igwa man ning Go Bag na may first aid kit, whistle, asin iba pang kaipuhan."

The exercise also provided LGUs with an opportunity to identify operational gaps, validate existing emergency response systems, and strengthen coordination among DRRM Councils. Lessons gathered from the simulation will be integrated into future disaster preparedness plans to further improve emergency response across the province.

More than a simulation, the activity reinforced the importance of preparedness long before disasters occur. Every successful evacuation, coordinated rescue operation, and timely situational report reflected Camarines Sur's continuing commitment to building safer, stronger, and more disaster-resilient communities.

Through this, CamSur continues to foster a culture of preparedness ensuring that every family, every barangay, and every local government unit is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively when emergencies arise.