By Alma L. Tingcang
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, July 26 -
- - About 250 elementary, high school and college student officers of Marian College attended the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Symposium conducted by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Institute
of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), and the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in cooperation
with the Philippine Information Agency.
Ms. Cynthia H. Ortega, Principal
of Marian College said that they felt so grateful that they were chosen to be
the venue of the symposium and encouraged students to listen intently to the
speakers.
PIA Regional Director Noemi B.
Edaga stressed the role of PIA in giving timely, relevant and accurate
information to the Filipino people by facilitating and bringing the expertise
of capable speakers during the symposium. She likewise underscored the
importance of information to save lives during calamities.
OCD 9 Regional Director Adriano V.
Fuego, Chairman of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) identified the hazards in Region 9
such as flooding, landslides and tsunami-prone areas although Ipil is not included. Tsunami-prone areas include
Buug, Lapuyan , Vincenzo Sagun, Margosatubig,
San Pablo, Tabina, Dumalinao, Pagadian, Labangan, Talusan, Mabuhay, Olutanga,
Sirawai, Sibuco, Siocon and other coastal municipalities.
Fuego said, “the challenge for us
is the capability to respond. We should stay out of harm’s way. Do not live
along river banks, near bodies of water.” He said the Philippine Red Cross, AFP, other agencies
of the government and rescue groups risk their own lives to save others.
The activity is part of the
collaborative efforts of government agencies not only in celebration of the National
Disaster Consciousness Month but a continuing effort to promote awareness on
what to do in times of disaster and calamities, more so, being prepared at all
times.
Fuego said although we cannot stop
disaster, we can prevent damage and evacuate before the waters reach an
alarming level in times of flood. The best defense against disaster according
to him is prayer, believing that God is in control of everything.
Meanwhile, Ms. Maribel “Hasanah”
G. Enriquez of PAGASA explained the different hazards such as lightning, flood,
flashfloods, landslides, tornado, drought, storm surge and tropical cyclone.
PAGASA issues official weather forecast, provides typhoon and flood warnings
and other specialized services primarily for the protection of life and
livelihood. It is a component of the 128-member
World Meteorological Organization.
Engr. Eduardo T. Lauron of
Phivolcs said the key to disaster prevention is planning. The conduct of
earthquake drill would be very helpful to teach students how to properly
respond to such a situation. The Duck, Cover and Hold practice was taught to
them.
“The Philippines is a hazard-prone country because it is
geographically located at the Pacific ring of fire,” Lauron said. As such, we
are prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Before the conduct of the drill, Engr. Lauron gave a
briefing for the teachers saying that evacuation routes in the school should be
identified. Emergency exits must be established so the students will know where
to go. Pre-identified evacuation areas should also be determined and the
building lay-out of the school posted on the bulletin board.
About 1,200 students actively participated in the drill
which will eventually prepare and capacitate them in learning the proper
response during times of disaster.
Mark Anthony Diaz, president of
the Marian United Students Association (MUSA) also expressed his thankfulness
for the valuable learnings that have been imparted by the different speakers.
(ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)