By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 13 (PIA) – At least 3,000 students and teachers of the Ayala National High School participated in an earthquake simulation drill last July 10 as part of the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.
The activity was initiated by the Philippine Information Agency, in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense-9, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Zamboanga City, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS).
With the school having the most number of student population in the city’s west coast, OCD-9 Regional Director Adriano Fuego said it is the most suitable area for the drill and disaster preparedness symposium. Dir. Fuego also said the area is near the shoreline, making it vulnerable to tsunami.
OCD-9 Chief of Operations and Planning Mr. Jose Eric Castillo also explained to the students the need for such activities saying, “Barangay Ayala was once a major river in Zamboanga City and was only converted as residential area, thus, your area is very vulnerable to landslides and flashfloods”.
The whole day activity started with a symposium on disaster preparedness in the morning, participated by at least 450 teachers and students, followed by the drill in the afternoon.
Mr. Castillo talked about Republic Act 10121, an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System that provides for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.
Castillo said the new law makes their office, the local government units, and the community, in general proactive against potential hazards in a particular area.
“Our disaster preparedness initiatives now involve the different barangays in our area. Even students like you are now encouraged to help inform others on disaster preparedness, that’s why we are holding this activity. You will serve as our partners in disseminating what we have shared with you so we can at least lessen the effects of any disaster that might come”, Castillo said.
He added, “Now, we are not just concerned about disaster response. We now cover preparation against potential disasters, reducing and managing risks, and more important, we also focus on rehabilitation of areas affected by disasters”.
PAGASA-Zamboanga City Officer-in-Charge Ms. Maribel Enriquez lectured on the different hydrological hazards the city is prone with. She said the mountainous topography of Zamboanga City makes it susceptible to floods, flashfloods, and other related risks.
Enriquez warned those living near river banks to be vigilant, especially during rainy season.
Engr. Eduardo Lauron of PHILVOCS, on the other hand, spoke about geological and other related hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and even tsunami, and what to do when these occur.
Engr. Lauron explained that the city, and the region as a whole, is prone to earthquakes and is also vulnerable to tsunami as two trenches surround the area, the Sulu and Cotabato trenches.
“You were not yet born when the Cotabato trench moved causing earthquake, and later tsunami, hitting Pagadian City. That was in 1976. Zamboanga City is in between Sulu and Cotabato trenches. This explains why we are at risk from earthquakes and tsunami”, Lauron said.
After the lecture, the earthquake drill was held in the afternoon, with about 3,000 students, guided by their teachers, taking part in the drill. The teachers and students were taught what to do if ever earthquake happens.
Ayala National High School Principal Dr. Socorro P. Canaya thanked the speakers and participants for a successful conduct of the drill.
“We are very thankful for choosing our school for this activity. The activity we had played a very great role in the students’ lives, because if ever disaster happens here we can really save the lives of the students, not just the students but the community as a whole, as these student will help inform the public, their families, and so everybody will learn what to do during disaster”, Dr. Canaya said.
Canaya said they will now be conducting disaster preparedness drills every quarter so that students and teachers will get used to it and be prepared in case of any eventualities. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST)