In celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX conducted a month-long activities on disaster preparedness and awareness with this year’s theme: “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.

The essence of the month-long observance is to promote awareness on natural hazards and disseminate information on the steps to be undertaken to mitigate the adverse effects of hazards during disaster emergencies.

As front line agency during disasters, it is imperative for all internal staff of DSWD to be equipped with knowledge especially in intensifying themselves to learn the key strategies to reduce risks when disaster strikes anytime. The proper capacity to respond to emergency situation calls for an importance for the agency to avoid casualties and carefully plan out things according to the standard procedures.

Said celebration allowed every staff to be informed during monday’s convocation for the whole month of July where there were invited speakers and experts from Bureau of Fire and Protection and Office of the Civil Defense to brief the attendees.

Simulations were conducted every week to address different types of emergencies such as Fire , Earthquake and Tsunami drills. Mr. Roel Pioquinto of the Bureau of Fire and Protection discussed comprehensively the dangers of fire and factors that may trigger it to spread out. Aside from orderly evacuation fire drills conducted, an exercise on the proper handling of Fire Extinguisher was done to equip staff to put off fire in case of breakout. An evaluation followed after the drill which was facilitated by the team from the BFP.

Moreover, an Earthquake awareness orientation was also conducted to discuss earthquake situations and safety procedures to be undertaken during and after its occurence. Mr Casmar Pajiji of the Office of the Civil Defense clearly underscored the importance of the proper evacuation plan during this disaster and the possible hazards that may cause obstruction and casualties especially during the presence of movement and during evacuation of the area.

Following the ‘Duck, Cover and Hold’ as safety measures during earthquake, a simulation was also conducted to execute the evacuation plan and to observe safety procedures and hazards. Through the presence of the Civil Defense Action Group (CDAG) of the Office of the Civil Defense, an evaluation on the conduct of the drill was also observed to address certain hazards identified in all corners of the office. The group reiterated the need to take serious in all the necessary information they have provided as they quote saying “There’s no substitute for preparation”.

Earlier this month, an orientation on Family Preparedness during disasters was also given by the Office of Civil Defense as part of the continuous advocacy and call to capacitate all members of the family to be knowledgeable in times of disaster emergencies.

The celebration of National Disaster Consciousness Month is in pursuant to Executive Order No. 137, s.1999. ##