TACLOBAN CITY – Employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (LDEO) underwent an earthquake drill in MacArthur, Leyte, on Sept. 10 as part of efforts to strengthen their preparedness for seismic emergencies.
The 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) was conducted at the district office in coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of MacArthur.
Ronald Suganob of the MDRRMO and SFO1 Avelino Pasadas III of the BFP facilitated the exercise.
Led by District Engineer Leandro Visorde, employees practiced the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” protocol before orderly evacuating to designated safe areas.
A headcount was conducted after the evacuation, followed by a post-drill assessment to identify areas that need improvement in the office’s emergency response procedures.
Visorde said regular earthquake drills are important in ensuring that employees are familiar with proper safety procedures and can respond appropriately during an emergency.
“Malaking tulong ang pagsasagawa ng earthquake drill na ito upang mapalakas ang kahandaan ng aming mga empleyado sa oras ng lindol at iba pang sakuna. Mahalaga ang regular na pagsasagawa nito upang matiyak ang wastong pagtugon sa anumang emergency,” he said.
Visorde also thanked the MacArthur municipal government, MDRRMO and BFP for their support and coordination in conducting the drill.
The activity was held in line with Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and other disaster preparedness guidelines.
The DPWH Leyte 2nd DEO said it will continue to support disaster risk reduction and management initiatives and promote the safety and welfare of its employees.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
