OCD-8 calls on students, employees to join in earthquake drill

Monday 13th of February 2012

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Feb 13 (PIA) -- Office of Civil Defense Region 8 OIC Director Rey Gozon called on the public to participate in the conduct of the 2012 first quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill on March 1, 2012.

The earthquake drill will be spearheaded by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC), Gozon told the local media in the recently held Harampang Ha PIA. The drill is critical in the light of the series of disasters that have confronted the country. It is also important that as much as possible, all, even the young, join the drill so that they would know what to do in case of such an eventuality.

Gozon who is the council chairman, said that the earthquake drill is very relevant considering that the Region has been jolted by a series of tremors since January of 2012. Besides, the country is beset with calamities and disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other geological hazards, owing to its location in the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” It is therefore vital to prepare and always remind the public on the proper actions to save lives during earthquakes, Gozon said.

Preparedness and mitigation are strategies in reducing disaster risks pursuant to the new law, that is why there is a need for the simultaneous earthquake drill, Gozon said.

As of press time, the council is in the process of selecting one major area to conduct the regional drill to demonstrate the proper response during earthquakes, especially those living or working in high buildings.

Gozon called on the media to help disseminate about the importance of participating in the drill. He also urged all agencies, schools, and local disaster councils to conduct safety drill in their respective areas of responsibility to saturate information and education campaign to the public.

Director Gozon said the council will make TV plugs on how to conduct earthquake drill so that the public can also do the drill among themselves. (PIA 8)