VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Ilocos Sur is set to conduct the 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in this city to equip students in disaster preparedness.
PDRRM Officer Rhon Arquelada said they will hold the NSED pilot testing at the university on June 28.
Arquelada said this aims to enhance the readiness of both students and the faculty in responding to upcoming potential disasters in the province.
“Previously, our participants were from the elementary level, but with the request of the Office of Civil Defense and as we also see fit, we will now be conducting the 2nd quarter NSED involving the higher education institutions because we also have to equip our college students,” Arquelada said.
The PDRRMO personnel and the local emergency responders prepared a simulated exercise which is a realistic scenario of an earthquake to be particularly held at the university hospital where medical students of the university also take their classes.
They intend to instill disaster preparedness by observing emergency response protocols during the simulation.
He stated, “Participants will encounter proper ways of responding to disaster, acquire proper communication techniques that are vital in emergencies, as well as learn evacuation protocols, and practice first aid exercises.”
Arquelada further emphasized the importance of readiness and coordinated actions in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community when it comes to handling disasters.
This collaboration between the PDRRMO Ilocos Sur and the UNP strengthens their advocacy in providing and disseminating knowledge about appropriate ways to protect lives and mitigate risks in the face of emergencies.
Moreover, Arquelada said that disaster preparedness training organized by their office such as first aid and basic life support are available to the public, and anyone interested in joining may coordinate with their office.
He also reminded the residents in the province to join the NSED in their locality and familiarize themselves with the proper steps to ensure their safety during an earthquake.
“Let us practice Drop, Cover, and Hold at our homes so that we can refrain from panicking when an earthquake occurs,” he said. (AMB/ATV/VGS, PIA Ilocos Sur)
