Dagupan commemorates July 16 killer earthquake
A SERIES of earthquake drills were conducted in all elementary and secondary public and private high schools in Dagupan City last week to commemorate the July 16 killer earthquake that devastated the city in 1990.
Representatives from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), Philippine National Police and Department of Education (DepEd) acted as evaluators in the activity, which was also in line with the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month.
DepEd education supervisor Edilberto Abalos underscored the importance of conducting drills since schools are among the most vulnerable places during earthquakes.
Ronald De Guzman, officer-in-charge of the CDRRMC, commended the alertness and cooperation of the students and teachers, although some schools did not pass the evaluation.
Mayor Belen Fernandez, who observed some of the drills, said, “It is important that the children are aware on what they should do so they won’t panic when calamity strikes and their parents are not around.”
The CDRRMC encourages private establishments and colleges to conduct earthquake drills.
Fernandez recently signed an executive order mandating a task group headed by the City Engineering Office in collaboration with the United Architects and Engineers Association of Dagupan City to inspect the buildings in the city to ensure the safety of occupants during quakes.
De Guzman said the city commemorates the tragedy with activities for preparedness. —PIA-1-Pangasinan/VHS and Dada Martin
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
