Dumaguete to host 3rd national quake drill

CEBU, Philippines - Dumaguete City, particularly Foundation University, was chosen by the Negros Island Region (Region 18) as host of the 3rd National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill scheduled on September 28, throughout the country.

This was confirmed by Jose Chu of the Dumaguete City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC), while making the final preparations and coordination meetings with school officials for the big event.

Aside from holding regular earthquake and fire drills every year, the university was recommended to host the national drill because the administration has been so receptive when it comes to preparations against calamities.

The drill will start at 9 a.m. with a one-minute siren when all the students are expected to dock, cover and hold, after which they will start to vacate their rooms and go to the designated evacuation area.

There will be simulations for rescue of victims from the building through rapelling, as well as firefighting for possible fire that will occur after the earthquake.

Chu said it is expecting 20 or more representatives from the NIR coming from different agencies in government to witness the activity on Wednesday.

Responders from DRMMCs of the two provinces of the NIR are also expected to attend a convergence summit in Dumaguete starting today to elect  their regional officers. (FREEMAN)