Release Date :
Reference Number :
2023-NA61-010
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) Siquijor conducted its first ever earthquake drill at the Siquijor Business and Convention Center. This simulated activity aims to educate and prepare all occupants of the building on how to respond in emergency situations especially during an earthquake.
The simulated activity is spearheaded by PDRRMO Siquijor head Ms. Blessel Largo Omictin together with the Bureau of Fire Protection and participated by all agencies occupying the Siquijor Business and Convention Center.
A briefing was conducted before the actual activity which discusses the specific actions that need to be done during and after the earthquake. The drop, cover and hold are essential during an earthquake and the participants were informed to look for spaces inside their office that will not compromise their safety, areas under the desk is one example and to wait for the alarm to stop before evacuating the area. In the absence of an alarm, participants were informed to evacuate the area once the movement has already stopped. When evacuating the building everyone is encouraged to place their hands on top of their heads for protection from falling debris and the buddy buddy system should also be maintained. The assembly area was identified before the simulation happened and it is located at the open area near the St. Francis of Assisi Church.
An Incident Command System (ICS) was in place and an emergency response team was created before the start of the activity. The head of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is identified as the Incident Command Officer. The purpose of the creation of the ICS within the building is to help ensure the safety of responders, to achieve tactical objectives and efficient use of resources. It also allows personnel from the different agencies to meet and perform administrative and logistical functions during emergencies.
A simulated fire also happened and was responded by the emergency response team. There are personnel from different agencies who were used and identified as victims during the simulation. Victims who are left inside the building were evacuated by the emergency response team and brought to the assembly area. They were assessed if their condition needs immediate medical care. For those victims that needs to be brought to a hospital facility, the Rural Health Unit responded immediately and has taken necessary steps to help the victim.
Overall, the activity was well participated by all agencies occupying the Siquijor Business and Convention Center. There were issues and concerns such as the familiarization of the emergency response team, training for the respondents and emergency kit that should be readily available that were identified and needs improvement. All agencies occupying the building thanked the PDRRMO for this initiative and is looking forward to more partnership/activities in the future.
Approved by:
(SGD.) JOSELITO C. MAGHANOY
(Supervising Statistical Specialist)
Officer-in-Charge
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 2023-NA61-010.pdf |
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