SM City Bacolod reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and disaster preparedness as it actively participated in the 3rd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) yesterday afternoon, Sept. 11.
The drill was conducted simultaneously across the country at 4 p.m., and was also observed in several sites in Bacolod City.
At the mall, 234 participants composed of employees, agency personnel, store tenants, and customers joined the exercise. Evacuation procedures and safety protocols were simulated to give participants real-time experience in responding to a possible earthquake scenario.
The NSED is a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense. It is carried out quarterly to enhance the preparedness and response capacities of communities, schools, offices, and commercial establishments across the Philippines.
SM Supermalls has consistently supported this nationwide effort by aligning its drills with government-led initiatives. Through active participation, the company not only ensures the safety of its stakeholders but also contributes to broader national goals in disaster risk reduction and resilience.
“SM recognizes that preparedness saves lives. By aligning with government-led disaster drills, we continue to build safer spaces and more resilient communities,” May Castro, public relations manager of the mall, said in a statement.
More than compliance, SM’s involvement underscores the role of the private sector in nation-building, particularly in advancing a culture of safety and collective responsibility. ||
