ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) conducted its 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on September 07, 2023 with the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in accordance to the standards set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
This quarterly activity aims to ensure preparedness for “The Big One”, a potential earthquake of magnitude 7.2 or higher that experts predict could occur in the Philippines which can strike at any moment, leaving devastating impacts on infrastructure and endangering lives.
It focused on the practical application of the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique which involves protecting vital organs by ducking, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops.
Following the drill, FO2 Astirio M. Caminade III, one of the officials from the BFP shared his evaluation and provided essential reminders to the office. The feedback is instrumental in refining emergency response procedures and ensuring everyone’s safety.
This exercise was particularly timely, given that the day before, on September 06, 2023 a 4.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Leyte province in the evening, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness.
(ROSITA A. TINAWIN/OIC District Engineer)
