Sirens simultaneously went off in different parts of the country at 2 p.m. Thursday, signaling the start of the nationwide earthquake drill.

Led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), schools and offices in different parts of the country set up scenarios of mass evacuation, first aid, rescue operations, fire and other emergency situations to test the preparedness of rescue teams and the public in general.

Thursday's earthquake drill carried the theme "Bida ang Handa" and is the second for this year.

Here are some photos from the simultaneous earthquake drill:

People inside Camp Karingal, Quezon City duck, cover, and hold during the earthquake drill. Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News

Employees of the Commission on Higher Education participate in the nationwide earthquake drill. Photo courtesy of CHED

Employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) central office exit their building during the nationwide earthquake drill. Photo courtesy of DENR

Employees of the Mandaluyong City Hall line up outside their office during the earthquake drill. Photo courtesy of Mandaluyong Public Information Office

Firefighters practice fire suppression skills during the earthquake drill in Baguio City. Photo courtesy of Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera

Students of University of Mindanao evacuate during the earthquake drill in Davao City. Photo courtesy of Office of Civil Defense

Employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region participate in the nationwide, simultaneous earthquake drill. Photo courtesy of DSWD-NIR

Students in Zamboanga City duck, cover, and hold during the nationwide earthquake drill. Jewel Reyes, ABS-CBN News

Students in Zamboanga City move to an open area during the nationwide earthquake drill. Jewel Reyes, ABS-CBN News

Firefighters in Masbate City stage a rescue operation during the nationwide earthquake drill. Erick Baldo, ABS-CBN News

A first-aid treatment simulation is conducted on a student in Masbate City during the nationwide earthquake drill. Erick Baldo, ABS-CBN News