All systems go for 2nd quake drill in Pangasinan

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1941466490177/all-systems-go-for-2nd-quake-drill-in-pangasinan
• Tuesday, June 21, 2016

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, June 21 (PIA) – It is all systems go for the staging of the second quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Wednesday, June 22 at exactly 9 a.m.

Ronald de Guzman, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, bared that at least 16 schools and the division office of the Department of Education here expressed their intent to hold an earthquake simulation.

Secondary schools that initially verified their participation include the Dagupan City National High School and Bonuan Boquig National High School.

On the other hand, participating elementary schools are Leon-Francisco Maramba Elementary School (ES), Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar ES, Sabangan ES, Caranglaan Elementary School, North Central ES, Mangin ES, Tebeng ES, Bacayao ES, Juan P. Guadiz ES, Calmay ES, Pantal ES, West Central ES II, Malued ES, and Suit ES.

According to De Guzman, this exercise is meant to raise awareness and develop a culture of preparedness among people should an earthquake hit the area.

“Likewise, the drill will assess the capacity level of the school and the community in the eventuality of disasters and emergencies,” he added.

Moreover, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will provide assistance to the conduct of earthquake drills in three schools in the province.

PDRRMO spokesperson Avenix Arenas said they will aid in the simulation of retrieval, evacuation and relief operations at Gayaman Elementary School in Binmaley and at JN Montessori and High School Inc. and Bantayan Elementary School, both in Lingayen.

“A capability building on disaster preparedness and response will also take place for the staff of PDRRMO and community emergency response team from Sta. Barbara at 10 a.m. at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center in Lingayen,” Arenas said.

Meanwhile, those who have their social media accounts are encouraged to show their commitment to the conduct of the second quarter NSED by posting a video saying: “I accept the #Pagyanig Challenge” or a photo with the fan sign "I accept the #Pagyanig Challenge."

The public can also share their earthquake drill experience by posting a photo or video on social media doing the "duck, cover and hold" with #Pagyanig.