PWC participates in 2021 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill
PWC took part in the 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held last March 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
Proper conduct of NSED spearheaded by the Disaster Action Team (DAT) was observed in adherence to minimum required standards during the pandemic, which drew focus to the duck, cover, and hold exercises. The adjusted implementation has notably been done since the pandemic struck last year.
Personnel in their respective offices within campus took part in the drill, making sure to wear face mask and face shield while observing social distancing. The implementation was also extended to personnel working from home, who likewise encouraged their families to participate.
30 seconds after performing the duck, cover, and hold technique, personnel were instructed to save their work, turn off computers and electric fans. Those at home were expected to do the same with additional measures such as turning off other household appliances and LPG tanks in simulation of an actual emergency.
The institution previously sent communication to students, faculty, and even adopted communities to encourage participation.
Also part of the advocacy is the Information Education Communication (IEC) Campaign in coordination with the Marketing Office, which maximized the use of social media to create engagement and disseminate informative materials on earthquake and tsunami preparedness.
“Participation in the NSED is PWC’s way of reminding its members and stakeholders that disaster preparedness should not be set aside in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis,” shared DAT Team Leader and Assistant Public Safety Officer Paulo Gaudencio Naval, “we should never lower our guard and rather remain alert and vigilant, and maintain a sense of preparedness and accountability.”
The activity was effectively disseminated and executed through the collaborative efforts of the DAT, Tertiary Education Department-Office of Student Affairs, Human Resource and Development Office, and the Institutional Community Extension Services Office.
PWC looks forward to the community’s active participation in the next earthquake drills scheduled on June 10, September 9, and November 11. Aside from the NSED participation, a webinar series is in the works geared to educate students, personnel, and stakeholders on disaster preparedness, flood preparedness, and fire safety.
RCM