QC holds earthquake drill

Employees vacated their offices in an orderly manner yesterday as Quezon City Hall held the first of many earthquake drills under the city government’s disaster preparedness program spearheaded by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The drill was conducted by the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) to prepare city residents for natural disasters that could strike anytime.

Manuel Sabalza of the DPOS said similar quake drills would be replicated in other parts of the city.

Belmonte earlier called on administrators and owners of public and private establishments in the city to prepare contingency measures, including the holding of earthquake drills, to prevent the loss of lives during calamities.

During yesterday’s drill, employees converged at the City Hall grounds, where they received a briefing on what to do when an actual earthquake hits. The mayor cited the importance of a well-prepared disaster program, which he described as the best option in getting out of harm’s way.

Belmonte said his call for disaster preparedness includes malls, hospitals, hotels, apartment buildings, condominiums and universities.

In line with the program, the mayor has directed the DPOS to formulate a disaster plan for Quezon City, which would include training programs, preparing handouts for evacuation plans in case of emergency and advisory bulletins for distribution to residents.

Belmonte said a citywide preparedness program should be adopted to mitigate the impact brought about by disasters.

Apart from a massive information drive, the mayor also directed the city engineering department to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways in conducting a survey of damaged or unsafe buildings for demolition and repair work.

Belmonte told Engineer Joselito Cabungcal, OIC of the engineering department and city schools superintendent Dr. Victoria Fuentes to include in the list for demolition small structures within the premise of public schools.

The Department of Education earlier recommended the demolition of the Liban building at the Batasan Hills Elementary School.