DSDA, or the Department of Secretive Defense Agency, was a clandestine organization born from the collective efforts of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Defense (DOD). Its primary objective was to shield the Philippines from the looming specter of international threats and pandemics. At the helm of this secretive agency was a covert protocol known as "The Project LIFT," an audacious endeavor aimed at rendering the Philippines invisible on the world map, protecting its territorial integrity by descending into the depths of the earth like an elevator.

The fragile veneer of normalcy was shattered when news broke out about a mysterious virus originating from China, which spread with alarming rapidity across the globe. Luzon, including the bustling metropolis of Manila, was overrun by hordes of infected individuals, their minds consumed by an insatiable hunger for human flesh. The director of the DSDA fell victim to the chaos, meeting a tragic end while attending a high-level meeting with the DOD secretary in Manila.

As I, Ginart Herrera, navigated the unassuming corridors of a local college in Bukidnon, my true identity as the head research engineer of Project LIFT remained hidden behind the façade of an education student. Secrecy was paramount, and I had grown accustomed to living a double life. However, the carefully constructed illusion was shattered when I received news of the director's demise.

The agency's decision was swift and unequivocal: I was to assume the role of acting director, tasked with the monumental responsibility of spearheading Project LIFT to its fruition, unhindered by the turmoil unfolding around us.

The tranquility of the campus was disrupted by the sudden arrival of three helicopters emblazoned with the DSDA logo. They descended upon the school grounds, casting a pall of confusion over the students and faculty.

Two of the choppers carried armed soldiers clad in black uniforms, their faces set with a resolute determination. Each helicopter bore five soldiers, excluding the pilot. The third chopper carried James Sarmiento, the secretary of the former DSDA director, who disembarked with an air of urgency.

I watched the scene unfold with a mix of fascination and trepidation. The students and faculty were oblivious to the true nature of the events transpiring before their eyes. Only I and the newly arrived entourage grasped the gravity of the situation: the nation teetered on the brink of collapse, threatened by an insidious enemy that imperiled our very existence. As the minutes ticked by, James Sarmiento emerged from the faculty building, his expression a mask of gravitas. The students, including myself, converged upon the covered court, our collective curiosity piqued.

It was then that two armed soldiers approached me, their voices firm but polite. Sir, you have to come with us. I nodded, aware that my dual existence was about to be extinguished.

My friends, bewildered by the sudden turn of events, expressed their concerns, but I reassured them with a calm smile. As I stepped out of the covered court, flanked by the two soldiers, James awaited me, his eyes locked onto mine.

Sir, I know you've already received the message," he said, his voice low and measured. I nodded, and he continued, You understand that this is a matter of national security, sir. You must follow the protocol and do what's needed. I nodded my head, a sense of trepidation creeping up my spine.

What am I supposed to do now? I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

James's response was unequivocal. First, you must make a public appearance here at this school, delivering a speech to announce and publicize the project.

A jolt of surprise coursed through my veins.

What? Publicize the project? I thought it was confidential and top-secret.

James's expression remained unyielding.

The VP decided to publicize the project, letting the citizens know despite the situation the country is facing now. You must follow the protocol as the acting director of this agency. You will make your first public speech here, and we brought a team to record your speech and post it through social media, news media outlets, and radio stations.

You must explain the situation our country is facing our to citizens and not cause any panic. In a few minutes, you will be on stage to do your speech as the acting director of the DSDA.

As I stood on the stage, adjusting the microphone to my height, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. The covered court was packed with students, faculty members, and even some parents who had been summoned to the school. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of curiosity and concern etched on the faces of the audience.

James Sarmiento handed me a folder containing my speech. I took a deep breath, scanning the contents of the folder. The speech was carefully crafted to inform the public about the situation without causing panic.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, students, and honored guests," I began, my voice steady. "I stand before you today as the acting director of the Department of Secretive Defense Agency, or DSDA."

A murmur ran through the crowd, with some students exchanging curious glances.

"We are gathered here today at a critical juncture in our nation's history. A mysterious virus, originating from China, has spread rapidly across the globe, leaving devastation in its wake. Our country, the Philippines, is not immune to this threat."

I paused, surveying the audience.

"As we speak, the virus is spreading rapidly, infecting thousands and claiming countless lives. The situation is dire, and we must act swiftly to protect our citizens and our nation."

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully.

"The DSDA, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Defense, has been working tirelessly to develop a solution to this crisis. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens."

I glanced at James, who nodded encouragingly.

"To achieve this goal, we have launched Project LIFT, a comprehensive initiative aimed at protecting our nation from external threats. The details of this project are classified, but I assure you that it is a vital component of our national defense strategy."

I paused, scanning the audience.

"I urge all of you to remain calm and vigilant. We will provide regular updates on the situation, and we ask for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time."

As I concluded my speech, the audience erupted into applause, with some students cheering and whistling. I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

But just as the applause was dying down, a commotion broke out at the back of the covered court. A group of students rushed in, looking frantic.

"What's going on?" I asked James, who was frowning at the sudden interruption.

"It's Malacañang Palace," one of the students exclaimed. "It's been overrun by the infected! They're reporting that the President is... is dead."

The audience gasped in shock, and I felt my heart sink. The situation had just taken a devastating turn.

James's face turned grim. "We need to act fast, Acting Director. The country is in chaos, and we're running out of time."

I nodded, my mind racing with the implications. The President was dead, and the seat of government was in the hands of the infected. It was a catastrophic scenario, and I knew that I had to make some tough decisions to ensure the survival of our nation.

"James, get the chopper ready," I said, my voice firm. "We need to get to the DSDA headquarters ASAP. We have a lot of work to do, and not a lot of time to waste."

James nodded, already pulling out his phone to make the arrangements. "I'll get the team to prep the chopper, sir. We'll be ready to leave in 10 minutes."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. It was time to take charge, and lead our nation through this darkest of times.

The covered court erupted into chaos as the news of the President's death spread like wildfire. Students and faculty members alike were in a state of panic, unsure of what to do next. I stood frozen on the stage, my mind racing with the implications of the President's demise.

As we made our way through the crowded court, the tension was palpable. The news of the President's death had sent shockwaves through the crowd, and people were starting to panic.

James grabbed my arm, pulling me through the sea of frantic students and faculty members. "Sir, we need to get out of here, now!" he yelled above the din.

I nodded, my heart still racing from the events that had just unfolded. Just moments before, I had been addressing the crowd, trying to reassure them that the situation was under control. But the news of the President's death had changed everything.

We pushed through the crowds, dodging screaming students and leaping over overturned chairs. The sounds of chaos and confusion filled the air – screams, shouts, and the wail of sirens in the distance.

I could see people running wildly in all directions, desperate to escape the mayhem. Finally, we burst through the doors of the covered court, emerging into the bright sunlight.

The scene before us was one of utter chaos. Riot police were clashing with protesters, who were demanding answers and action from the government. The air was thick with tear gas, and people were running wildly in all directions.

James and I sprinted across the parking lot, weaving through the crowds of panicked students and faculty members. We could hear the sound of sirens blaring in the distance, and the chatter of helicopters overhead.

The sun beat down on us, casting long shadows across the parking lot. I could feel the heat radiating up from the asphalt, and the smell of smoke and tear gas hung heavy in the air.

As we ran, I could see the chaos spreading. Cars were overturned, buildings were on fire, and people were running for their lives.

We reached the chopper, and the pilot was already waiting for us, his eyes fixed intently on the horizon. "Sir, we're ready to lift off!" he yelled above the din.

I nodded, leaping into the chopper alongside James. The rotors whirred to life, lifting us off the ground and into the safety of the sky.

As we soared above the chaos, I could see the city spread out before us. The streets were jammed with people, all trying to flee the chaos. The sounds of gunfire and screams filled the air, and I knew that the situation was spiraling out of control.

I turned to James, my voice firm. "We need to get to the headquarters and assess the situation. We can't waste any more time."

James nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "We'll be there soon, sir."

The chopper banked sharply to the left, heading towards the DSDA headquarters. I could see the city unfolding below us, a sprawling metropolis of steel and concrete.

As we flew, I couldn't help but think about the enormity of the situation. The President was dead, the government was in chaos, and the country was on the brink of collapse.

I knew that I had a crucial role to play in restoring order and stability to the nation. But as I looked out at the chaos below, I couldn't help but wonder if it was already too late.

On the News

Breaking News: Vice President Senna Vergara Takes Office Amidst Crisis

In a shocking turn of events, Vice President Senna Vergara has taken office following the passing of President John Hidalgo. The announcement sparked widespread riots in several cities across the nation, despite the ongoing crisis.

President Vergara addressed the nation, attempting to quell concerns and criticism surrounding her handling of Project LIFT. "I understand that many of you are questioning my decision to keep Project LIFT under wraps," she said. "I want to assure you that my intention was not to deceive or mislead, but to protect our nation's interests and prevent foreign interference."

President Vergara revealed that the late President Hidalgo had entrusted her with Project LIFT, and that she had worked closely with him to bring the ambitious project to fruition. "I can confidently say that the government did not waste public funds on this project," she emphasized.

Following President Vergara's speech, the Department of Secretive Defense Agency (DSDA) released a statement revealing the areas of the nation that have been overrun by the undead. The agency announced that necessary precautions and quarantines have been established to contain the outbreak.

The Philippine Army is working tirelessly to build barbed borders across the Danger Zone, but there has been no update from the restricted area. General De Guzman warned that if there is no update from his men within the next 48 hours, they will assume that the undead are closing in on the border.

In related news, Ginart Herrera, former head research engineer of Project LIFT, has been appointed as the new acting director of the DSDA. Herrera's expertise and experience make him an ideal candidate to lead the agency during this critical time.

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued the following precautions to prevent the spread of the outbreak:

- Avoid crowded areas and maintain a safe distance from others.

- Wear protective masks and gloves when outdoors.

- Avoid contact with bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva.

- Report any suspicious cases or symptoms to the authorities immediately.

- Stay indoors and avoid travel to affected areas.

Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to follow the precautions outlined by the DOH. The government assures the public that it is doing everything in its power to contain the outbreak and restore order.

The TV broadcast ended abruptly, turning to static. The fate of the nation hangs in the balance, as citizens wait with bated breath for further updates.