OCD Strengthens Partnership with Academe in DRRM
April 4, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – The Office of Civil Defense Cordillera regional office, in partnership with various schools and universities in the region, joined in the conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill(NSED) last March 27 at the University of the Cordilleras(UC) main campus here.
With UC administration, the Baguio City DRRM Council, the Philippine Military Academy Disaster Response Task Group, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Baguio City Police Office and the Philippine Red Cross, OCD conducted actual earthquake scenario and disaster response. A post-activity assessment was also done as a feedback mechanism that would help identify the gaps and the necessary actions that are needed to address such concern for the crafting of a better disaster response plan and actions.
NSED is regular activity that is being spearheaded by the OCD pursuant to Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. It serves as a key-strategy in reducing disaster risks and increasing the awareness of the public, which is important in building the resiliency of schools, universities and colleges and the local communities, in relation to the occurrence of earthquake.
OCD Cordillera Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy, in an interview, affirmed the successful conduct of the earthquake drill. Aside from demonstrating the emergency readiness of UC, which just joined the roster of Gawad Kalasag national awardees, the activity once again proved that through partnership, the region’s DRRM efforts and disaster resiliency can be strengthened.
Uy, in the same interview, disclosed that their office will focus their second quarter programs in capacity building activities for universities and colleges to strengthen their DRRM and emergency response capabilities./JDP/CCD – PIA CA