The Capiz State University (CAPSU) – Roxas City Main Campus participated in the conduct of the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) 2024, as one of the ceremonial sites in Region VI, held on November 14, 2:00 PM at the open field of the Villareal Stadium, as the evacuation area, in Roxas City, Capiz.
Before the official start of the Q4 NSED 2024, a brief program was held in the Boardroom of the Central Administration Building of the said campus.
Atty. Arthur John Biñas, Capiz Provincial Administrator, delivered a message on behalf of Hon. Fredenil H. Castro, Capiz Governor.
“Today, we gather here not only as members of our community but as proactive individuals committed to enhancing our preparedness in the face of potential disasters, particularly earthquakes, which can strike at any time, with little to know warning,” Atty. Biñas said, highlighting the importance of this drill and the unpredictable nature of earthquakes.
In his message, he emphasized the drill’s purpose: “to practice and instill standard safety measures that can save lives.” He urged everyone to “take this exercise seriously,” noting that “awareness and preparation can be our best defenses.” He also expressed his gratitude to Director Raul E. Fernandez of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) VI for “the continuous support extended to Capiz in disaster preparedness.”
Following Atty. Biñas’ address, Dr. Arnel Van V. Aleligay, CAPSU Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Director, provided an overview of the drill scenario.
At exactly 2:00 PM, the ceremonial alarm was sounded, signaling the start of the earthquake scenario. CAPSU key officials, office heads, faculty members, students, and staff promptly followed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” protocol before evacuating to the designated evacuation area.
University-based and local emergency responders provided rescue operations and administered medical care to the victims. Depending on the severity of their condition or assigned triage code, victims were either transferred to the treatment area or referred to a hospital for further care.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VI – Council Member Agencies, together with Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (Capiz PDRRMC) – Council Member Agencies, evaluated and validated the success of the Q4 NSED 2024, including:
Ms. Maria Christina I. Mayor, OCD VI; Dr. Florence Audrey Mamon-Pestano, DOH VI; Engr. Ryan Vilmor Dumpit, DOST VI; Cpt. Emmanuel M Tactay (INF), 3ID-PA; Cdr. Edison B Diaz (GSC), PCG; SFO2 Diovie E Nieves, BFP; Engr. Reynaldo A. Antioquia, PHIVOLCS; Alex Lumaque, PIA; Kenny Bajande, PRC; Dr. Leah L. Del Rosario, PHO; Florencio F. Farinas Jr, MDRRMO Dumarao; Gertrude P. Paclibar, MDRRMO Pontevedra; and John Paul L. Lusabia, MDRRMO Mambusao.
The Capiz Emergency Response Team (CERT), Roxas City Emergency Response Team (RCERT), Roxas City Fire Station (RCFS), and the DICT-Move (Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency) were pivotal in responding to situations needing critical services. The Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) facilitated the entire drill, ensuring smooth coordination among the agencies involved.
In the Conference Room, the evaluators presented their observations and some areas for improvement. This led to a feedback session and an open forum for further discussion.
Ms. Judy Grace C. Pelaez, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (LDRRMO) IV of Capiz PDRMMO, summarized the observations and recommendations made by the evaluators. She also served as the emcee during the opening and closing program.
OCD-VI Director Raul E. Fernandez, expressed his commendation, “First of all, let me express my congratulations to CAPSU. You always meet our expectations; you are always the beacon here for others to follow. We always have special high praises for CAPSU, especially for their contribution on the programs and activities of the Regional Disaster Risks Reduction and Management Council.”
He continued, “Congratulations on the well-executed earthquake drill. I am glad to know that CAPSU has 100% complied the checklist. I am elated to hear your recommendations and suggestions (from the evaluators) for improvement. No one is happier here than the administration of CAPSU, they will benefit more from the recommendations and suggestions that you gave, so that in the next drill, we will all level up.”
Dr. Wennie F. Legario, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered a message, in which he accepted the challenge.
“Rest assured that Capiz State University will be adhering to the recommendations and suggestions that you (the evaluators) gave for the purpose of improving our capacity and mitigating risks of disasters like this (earthquake),” he stated.
“It is a life for us here in Capiz State University, especially on disaster management, because we want to help and protect the youth under our charge. Not only here in Main Campus but all throughout our 9 campuses are also having drills scheduled by our University DRRM office,” Dr. Legario added, emphasizing that the safety of the students is the University’s top priority during such disasters.
In closing, he expressed profound gratitude to Director Fernandez and the evaluators for their valuable feedback, looking forward to continuing doing a good job in disaster risk reduction and management. | via Marco Jeslie B. Tuazon, Frederick D. Almeida