The management and staff of the  NEDA Regional Office (NRO)  X  took a refresher course on the Basic Concepts on Earthquakes to ensure safety from disaster occurrence held last    June 17  at the RDC NEDA X main conference room.

In her message, Assistant Regional Director Mae Ester T. Guiamadel  of  NRO X  thanked the event’s resource person,  Mr. Patrick Alain S. Callanta of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD X).  “This is our way of getting ready. We are also helping the local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies in crafting disaster-responsive plans,” she added.

Topics covered during the refresher course were: (a) the  overview on the types of earthquakes; (b) signs of occurrence; and (c) what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

After the briefing, an earthquake drill was also  conducted.  Mr. Callanta then presented the following action areas: (a) ensuring functionality of the disaster response teams; (b) assigning marshalls to ensure personnel safety during the occurrence of disasters; (c) regular inspection of alarms/bells and other equipment; (d) ensuring utility of all building exits; (e) buddy system during emergencies especially for differently-abled staffs, among others.

The staff also invited  resource persons on fire drill  from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Regional Office X last May 26.

The conduct of disaster prevention briefings and drills is part of the NRO X Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan that is currently enhanced by the Disaster Action Teams.