DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – In preparation for the upcoming third-quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is urging the public to take the drill seriously, highlighting the importance in enhancing safety and reducing risks during an actual earthquake.
The NSED will be held on Sept. 26 at 9:00 a.m. to promote earthquake awareness and public preparedness in schools, offices, and communities across the country, ensuring everyone is ready to handle such events effectively.
This includes simultaneous activities demonstrating the Duck, Cover, and Hold technique, proper evacuation procedures, and establishing designated safe zones.
“[Nagsasagawa tayo] ng mga earthquake drill, minimum of three [each year], sa iba’t ibang local government units at schools, dahil hindi ito biro at mahalaga para sa ating kaligtasan. Nawa’y seryosohin ito,” Vincent Chiu, operations head of Pangasinan PDRRMO advised the public.
(We are conducting at least three earthquake drills each year in various local government units and schools because this is no joke and is important for our safety. Hopefully, everyone takes it seriously.)
Chiu stressed that disaster preparedness is not merely a practice conducted for compliance. It is a crucial life-saving measure that reduces panic, injuries, and loss of life by teaching a quick, automatic response during real emergencies.
“Ang lindol ay hindi natin talaga alam kung kailan at saan mangyayari, at kung gaano kalakas, hindi tulad ng bagyo na maaari nating i-monitor. Kaya’t ang pagpaplano at paghahanda ang pinakamahalaga,” said Chiu, noting that the province is affected by several fault lines, including the Pangasinan Fault Line, San Manuel Fault Line, and Eastern Zambales Fault Line.
(We cannot truly predict when and where an earthquake will occur, or how strong it will be, unlike a typhoon which we can monitor. Therefore, planning and preparation are the most important.)
Chiu affirmed that through constant practice and education, citizens can be equipped with the knowledge and readiness to respond effectively.
Chiu also advised that it is important to familiarize oneself with the locations of evacuation areas and open spaces so that family members know where to find each other after the quake and are prepared for any type of disaster.
With advancements in technology, the Pangasinan PDRRMO encourages the download and use of the HazardHunterPH app, which provides hazard assessment reports for the user’s current location and offers valuable data and updates.
Likewise, the Pangasinan PDRRMO is dedicated to conducting seminars and workshops aimed at educating residents about emergency response and the significance of a well-prepared community. (MJTAB/JCDR/AQA/PIA Pangasinan)
