UPOU Joins First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on 25 March 2024. The drill was led by the UPOU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Committee and participated in by faculty and staff members at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, and its offices in Quezon City, Cebu, and Davao.
The drill aimed to assess the responsiveness of the existing disaster preparedness and contingency plans of the University. All faculty and staff members practiced the “duck, cover, and hold” as the siren alarmed for 60 seconds. Assigned safety marshals for each office led the safe flow of evacuation to the respective assembly areas, and safety wardens communicated the safety status of the faculty and staff from their respective offices.

Dr. Joane Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), Chair of the UPOU DRRM Committee, and Incident Commander for Earthquake Incidents, informed everyone regarding the necessary actions in the event of an actual earthquake. She reminded everyone to take the drill simulation seriously. As the staff gathered at the assembly area in front of the UPOU Main Building and CCDL building, UPOU engineers swiftly conducted thorough inspections of the buildings and surrounding area. They aimed to ascertain whether the premises were secure and ready for reoccupation, prioritizing the safety of all employees.

All reports on the building inspections were directed to Ms. Victoria Canape-Belegal, Chief Administrative Officer of CDMO. Following a thorough accounting of everyone present, Dr. Serrano officially declared the end of the drill.

This initiative was simultaneously conducted in all UP Constituent Units (CUs) in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC). The collaborative efforts to make this event successful highlighted the institution’s commitment to preparedness and resilience in the face of unforeseen events, reaffirming the importance of effective leadership and teamwork in ensuring the protection of all individuals within the UPOU community. #AlwaysReady

Written by Dianne Cosinas ♦ Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas 

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