Hazard-prone communities need trained responders for emergencies, Ilocos Sur disaster office says
VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – Areas vulnerable to hazards such as earthquakes, fires and flooding must have trained responders to handle everyday emergencies, the Vigan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said Thursday, March 13.
LDRRM Officer Milagros Alquiza stressed the need for training and establishing response teams in various sectors to strengthen disaster preparedness, intervention and recovery efforts.
This call to action comes amid recent earthquakes felt in Vigan City and nearby areas since December 2024.
“Our geographical location poses additional threats; to the west, we face the West Philippine Sea, which makes us vulnerable to tsunamis and storm surges. To the east, we have the Abra River, which can cause flooding,” Alquiza explained.
This statement follows the successful participation of Divine Word College of Vigan in the first-quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), which was attended by 500 students, teachers and non-teaching personnel.
During the drill, participants practiced the “duck, cover and hold” protocol before evacuating their classrooms and offices upon hearing the warning bell.
Some students took on the role of junior responders, learning to clear evacuation routes, assess building damage and ensure safety by following emergency procedures.
“This was an opportunity for us to assess the capacities of the school’s responders so we can identify their weaknesses and implement necessary interventions, as well as develop their strengths,” Alquiza stated.
In addition to earthquake drills, the CDRRMO regularly conducts fire drills attended by daycare and kindergarten students to introduce disaster preparedness at an early age.
Recognizing the tsunami threat in Santa Catalina, the CDRRMO is also awaiting guidance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to organize a tsunami drill.
Since December 2024, the agency has monitored high-risk barangays and conducted tsunami orientation sessions to educate residents on what to do in case of a disaster.
Steven Rosario, one of the junior responders, expressed gratitude to the city government and said participating in the drill is timely as it prepares them for disasters.
“The most important lesson I learned is not to panic and to stay calm so that you can think clearly and trust yourself,” Rosario said.
Although Divine Word College of Vigan is the first Catholic school in the city to participate in the quarterly NSED, Alquiza noted the CDRRMO had conducted first aid and basic life support training at the school before the drill.
This demonstrates the city’s commitment to ensuring every sector is disaster-ready at any time. (CCMT/JMCQ/RAT, PIA Ilocos Sur)
