“Congratulations to PIA for conducting this initiative to train office personnel to evacuate properly and safely,” Valdez said following a bomb and fire drill organized by the PIA in collaboration with the QCDRRMO and Apo Productions Unit, Inc.
The exercise was spearheaded by the PIA Office of the Deputy Director General for Regional Operations and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Ares Gutierrez.
Valdez emphasized the importance of regular drills in creating muscle memory among staff members. “These initiatives greatly help employees know where to go, the evacuation routes, and where to evacuate from the building,” he said. “Continue doing this as it will create muscle memory for our personnel and help prevent panic during actual emergencies.”
The DRR official provided specific guidance for different emergency scenarios. For earthquakes, he advised implementing the “duck, cover, and hold” procedure during shaking before evacuating.
For fires, he stressed the importance of keeping evacuation routes clear at all times and ensuring people know where to properly evacuate and where to stay once outside.
Valdez also recommended that employees prepare emergency go bags.
“Ideally, it’s one per employee. Ensure that the go bag is always within reach before you evacuate,” he said.
The drill aimed to enhance PIA’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities for human-induced threats such as bombs and fires.
Among the QCDRRMO responders include:
– Jefferson B. Godino
– Terrence Sy
– Leo Alfaro III
– Genly E. Barrameda
– Rico C. Oribiana
– Prince Villaflor
– Jonathan S. Perra (JCO/PIA-NCR)
