DepEd works on disaster preparedness

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Education (DepEd) is taking measures to boost its disaster readiness, especially at their central office in the Ortigas business district in Pasig where they have three 40-year-old edifices.

Engineer Oliver Hernandez, DepEd Physical Facilities and Schools Engineering Division head and officer in charge of DepEd’s administrative services, said all employees will undergo a one-day Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) seminar today, with follow-up sessions in smaller groups.

Aside from the seminar, an earthquake and fire drill will also be conducted tomorrow.

“This activity is very timely not only because of the series of earthquakes that had happened but it will also teach life saving skills that every employee should know. It is important that we know how to respond properly before, during, and after any of these hazards happen in their respective workplaces,” Hernandez said.

DepEd, in partnership with the Project Alliance on Social Dialogue, has recently performed a workplace assessment to resolve issues and concerns on occupational safety and health of employees.

The assessment identified earthquake and fire prone hazards in different buildings being used by DepEd employees in the Central Office, namely the main Jose Rizal Building, the A. Mabini Building, and the A. Bonifacio Building. All three were built in the 1970s.

During the seminar, DepEd will name disaster marshals in the different buildings who will be educated on how to identify hazards in the workplace.

Recently, DepEd discussed the state of public schools and their structural integrity that may be affected by earthquakes.