CCDRRMO resumes fire, quake drills in schools, barangays

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office resumed orientations and drills in schools and barangays on disaster preparedness.

CCDRRMO chief Harold Alcontin said before the year ended, they conducted training on preparedness against fires and earthquakes.

Personnel of all Cebu City Hall departments took part in a simultaneous earthquake drill.

“Para masinati nato unsay kinahanglan buhaton kung naay pagtay-og,” Alcontin said.

This year, Alcontin said, their focus will now be in the barangays.

Alcontin said there is a need to strengthen information education campaign.

“Katong sa pag earthquake drill, daghan naratol, nangalisang,” Alcontin said.

After the earthquake that hit Cebu City in 2013, the CCDRRMO also conducted drills and training in schools but got stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Alcontin said they plan to resume these activities.

“Karong tuiga, balik sab ta sa mga eskwekahan especially nga balik na ang face-to-face,” added Alcontin.

Alcontin said while they do not have enough manpower, there are many volunteers in the city who are also willing to help and respond during disasters.

“Sige na ta’g subsob training, coordination, command and control deployment, response,” Alcontin said. — GMR (FREEMAN)