September 7, 2023 – In a monumental display of preparedness and unity, 1,436 students from Judge Feliciano Belmonte Senior High School, Lagro High School, and Project 6 Elementary School joined forces for a groundbreaking earthquake drill dubbed “National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.”

This remarkable event was made possible through a visionary collaboration between 8E Tech and Junior Medic Society (JMS). The star of the show? The revolutionary 8E Multi-Emergency Early Response App System, known as 8E MEERAS, is poised to redefine emergency response strategies.

Students seamlessly activated the 8E MEERAS call-for-help (CFH) app as the ground trembled and alarm bells echoed. At the same time, designated responders swiftly sprang into action using the specially-designed responder app. The result? A remarkable 2-minute evacuation time after the simulated earthquake struck demonstrated the power of innovation and teamwork.

“This level of coordination is incredible,” said National President of the Junior Medic Society, Jazmine Ramirez, who spearheaded the event alongside Ritchie Ramirez, advocacy officer of 8E Tech. “Our motto ‘Practice Today, Save Lives Tomorrow’ couldn’t be more fitting.”

The drill didn’t end with the evacuation; it was followed by an in-depth evaluation involving key stakeholders. Representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (BDRRO), the School Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (SDRRO), Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT), school teachers, and Firestop Philippines Corporation, were all present.

“This level of preparedness at such a young age is commendable,” remarked one BFP representative. “Using technology through the 8E MEERAS is a game-changer in disaster response.”

8E Tech’s Ritchie Ramirez stated, “We’re thrilled to see our app, 8E MEERAS, in action, and we’ll take all the valuable feedback to make it even better.”

The event left participants and observers alike with a sense of empowerment and readiness, encapsulated by the taglines, ‘Practice Today, Save Lives Tomorrow’ and ‘Bida Ang Handa’ – which means ‘Preparedness is Heroic’ in Filipino.

In an age where natural disasters can strike at any moment, initiatives like the 8E Tech and Jr. Medic Society “National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill” provide hope that communities can stand strong and united in the face of adversity. Today, they practiced. Tomorrow, they’ll be heroes.