While DMMMSU’s response for Covid-19 is ongoing, the impending threats of other natural and human-induced hazards occur to be equally daunting. These include the unpredictability and inevitability of the occurrence of earthquake and other geological hazards, which remain as potential risks.
For this reason, DMMMSU regularly joins the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) to test the institutional capacities and individual awareness relative to earthquake preparedness and response.
In line with the University’s continuing cooperation with the government for the promotion of disaster awareness and preparedness, the various units in the University have once again participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on November 11, 2021.
Facilitated by the University’s Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chaired by University Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), Prof. Randulph Navasca, along with Campus DRRM Coordinators and College Facilitators, DMMMSU employees executed the “duck, cover and hold” at the sound of the siren.
As part of the minimum public health protocols, all were reminded to comply with the minimum public health standards throughout the drill and to stay in their respective workstations instead of evacuating the buildings to avoid mass gathering in designated evacuation areas.
NSED is a quarterly major endeavor spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense to enhance earthquake preparedness through the regular conduct of drills/exercises among the line agencies, LGUs and other government instrumentalities.
It also seeks to educate the public on disaster preparedness against earthquakes and test the contingency plans of local disaster risk reduction and management councils (LDRRMCs). Disaster preparedness is consistent with Chapter 12 of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017- 2022 on building safe and secure communities. The activity was undertaken in compliance with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 08, series of 2021. (Zander Christopher Mercado)
