Antique: A province-wide evacuation drill on Thursday resulted in more awareness for residents, especially those in coastal areas, on what to do if earthquakes or tsunamis strike. During the drill, residents immediately secured their 'go bags' upon hearing the siren and proceeded to Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park, the designated evacuation area.

According to Philippines News Agency, Barangay 3 councilor Naomi Loja said in an interview on Friday that her constituents realized that they need to be alert whenever they are instructed to evacuate. 'Before, our barangay captain had difficulty calling our constituents to prepare themselves to evacuate. Because of the drill, they realized how important it is to be cooperative and responsive to the call for evacuation,' Loja said. She saw how residents left their homes and properties without hesitation.

Office of the Civil Defense-Western Visayas spokesperson Marie Cristina Mayor said the drill was important because 15 of 18 municipalities of Antique are in coastal areas. 'Children and everyone have whistles. In case of a calamity or disaster, they can blow it for them to get located," Mayor said.

Employees of the provincial government, school children, cops, and firefighters joined the drill that simulated what happened after a magnitude 7.2 quake that triggered a tsunami. The provincial drill was in adherence to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum Order 73 for massive evacuation drills after the recent strong tremors in Cebu and Davao Oriental.