Hotel employees trained for emergency preparedness

CEBU, Philippines - Fire,  earthquake and super typhoon could happen anytime that management of both Grand Cenia Residences and Quest Hotel & Convention Center joined hands to make sure that their employees are prepared to respond to emergencies.

Both companies under Filinvest Land, Inc. formed emergency response teams among their employees and recently had them undergo training on how to tackle emergencies by personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Mahugani Security Agency   personnel who became part of the ERT’s also joined the training along with some Grand Cenia unit owners and FLI staff at One Oasis, San Remo Oasis and Seascapes Mactan.

The training started with a lecture conducted by Fire Officer 1 M. Sarvida, followed by demonstrations on how to handle various circumstances during emergencies to lead and keep people safe and away from harm.

They also had first-hand exercises on how to handle people who may be injured or have become unconscious with the application of first aid until they are turned over to professional paramedics or physicians.

For their preparedness to be more realistic, BFP trainers brought them to simulations during fire scenarios when they need to and on how to rescue and evacuate people to the designated evacuation area behind or the west side of the building.

The debriefing and post-drill assessment both reaffirmed their learning and brought to fore realities that would happen during emergencies, and further validated and improved the emergency contingency plan laid out since Grand Cenia and Quest Hotel started operations.

"The teams displayed presence of mind, confidence, alertness, diligence, motivation and discipline," noted Elson R. Homez, FLI head of property management in southern Philippines.

Homez said they will conduct pocket and situational training and exercises every two months, with time trials, role playing and application of different rescue procedures and techniques.

He added the drill made them see the need to establish modules and codes for integration between condotel and hotel ERT's, and provide them with standard uniforms.

Quest Hotel security manager Leandro Y. Paralisan reported that the BFP gave “good feedback” in the way the ERT’s acted during the drills. BFP was pleased with the evacuation process and on how it was carried out.

Tristan Las Marias, FLI first vice president and cluster head for Visayas and Mindanao, lauded the ERT’s and encouraged them to continue to hone their skills. (FREEMAN)