City and National Agencies Join Earthquake Drill
BACOLOD - The Bacolod City Government, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), joined national agencies in the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill held at STI College Bacolod on September 10. The activity brought together the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to observe the school's preparedness and response procedures during a simulated earthquake. The coordinated exercise provided an opportunity for authorities and school personnel to assess how effectively emergency protocols could be carried out during an actual disaster.
Assessing Evacuation and Emergency Response Systems
During the drill, participating agencies observed and evaluated several aspects of the school's emergency response, including evacuation procedures, warning and communication systems, emergency medical response, fire safety, and rescue readiness. The assessment allowed responders to identify areas that may need improvement while reinforcing the importance of clear coordination during emergencies. The Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade also participated by conducting fire suppression activities and a simulated search and rescue operation, adding a practical component to the exercise.
Building Safer Schools and Communities
The earthquake drill highlights the importance of regular preparedness activities in helping schools, government agencies, emergency responders, and communities become more capable of responding to disasters. Continued coordination between the Bacolod City Government and national agencies can help strengthen emergency procedures and ensure that schools are better prepared to protect students, teachers, and personnel during earthquakes and other emergencies. Through sustained training, evaluation, and cooperation, Bacolod continues to promote a culture of disaster preparedness and community safety.
