At 2pm today, the Provincial Government of Abra headed by Gov. Joy Bernos through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) with other stakeholders in the province conducted the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill for the first quarter of 2019 at Peñarrubia Integrated School.

Personnel of the Abra Police Provincial Office, 24th Infantry “Wildcat” Battalion, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross-Abra Chapter, ARESCOM, DPWH, MSWDO, MDRRMO, RHU, Peñarrubia Municipal Police Station, and local media attended the activity.   

The Drill aims to equip the parents, students, teachers, and staff with the necessary actions during and after the occurrence of a devastating earthquake.

The Drill was also a chance to test the elements of the response plan designed by the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee and the Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The scenario simulated a devastating earthquake having nine casualties in the area.

The key performers demonstrated proper extrication of victims, unloading, bandaging, proper carrying, and treatment.

During the assessment and feedbacking, the observers from the different agencies commended the successful earthquake drill. The observers also suggested training programs for the teachers to act as first responders during earthquakes or other emergencies.

Enrile Balais, Principal of Peñarrubia Integrated School, gladly accepted the suggestions and constructive criticisms from the observers.