The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), through its Safety and Security Division (SSD), successfully conducted a Fire Drill and the 1st Quarter 2026 Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on 12 March 2026 as part of the observance of Fire Prevention Month and to strengthen the LRTA’s emergency preparedness.

At around 3:00 PM, personnel from the Safety and Security Division set up a Command Post and prepared the designated evacuation area at the flagpole. Nixon F. Pagcaliwagan, Chief Safety Officer, served as Incident Commander, while Donna Jane F. Oro, Senior Safety Specialist, acted as Team Coordinator. Safety Officers William Wilfredo S. Flores and Ronaldo Sabino assisted in the preparation and coordination of the activity.

At exactly 3:30 PM, the drill commenced with the sounding of sirens using megaphones operated by security personnel to simulate an earthquake alarm. LRTA personnel, including members of the Maintenance Transition Team (MTT) equipped with safety helmets, carried out an orderly and systematic evacuation toward the designated assembly area. Once assembled, focal persons conducted a headcount of personnel and reported the results to the Command Post. A total of 522 personnel participated in the drill, and the complete evacuation was accomplished in three (3) minutes, demonstrating the LRTA’s readiness and coordination during emergency situations.

Following the earthquake drill, SSD personnel conducted a fire safety demonstration on the proper use of fire extinguishers. The demonstration was led by Rommel L. Ramos and Christan C. Guy, while SSD Manager, Jimmy L. Chua invited volunteers from various offices to participate in a simulated fire extinguishing activity. Volunteers included Angie A. Dorico from the Legal Department, Lorenzo Ortega Jr. from the Finance Department, and Divina J. Guison from the Office of the Administrator. With proper guidance from the safety officers, the volunteers successfully extinguished the simulated fire.

At 3:43 PM, the activity was officially concluded with reminders from SSD officials on the importance of preparedness and awareness during emergencies. Personnel were then advised to safely return to their respective offices.

The activity highlighted LRTA’s continuing commitment to promoting safety awareness, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and ensuring the protection of employees and stakeholders during disasters and emergencies.