GUAGUA – The Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in partnership with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) conducted fire and earthquake drill at the hospital grounds, yesterday.
According to chief-of-hospital Dr. Eddie Ponio, the drill is an annual activity of the hospital since 2011 that aims to ensure the preparedness of the doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel. This year, 150 personnel participated.
PDRRMO Angie Blanco said the doctors, nurses and personnel of the provincial hospital went through a series of seminars about earthquake and fire response including first aid, handling of victims and rescue operations before the drill was conducted.
Blanco furthered that the activity should be conducted more than once every year to fully equip the hospital personnel.
“Ali ya pu sapat ing metung pabanwang fire and earthquake drill. Kung pwede pu twice a year or once every quarter bang mahasa la deng kekayung personnel lalu na we’re expecting ‘the big one’,” said Blanco.
Blanco together with evaluators from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, Provincial Information Office, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office and Office of the Civil Defence gave an excellent rating for their performance.
Michael Dumlao, representative from the Office of the Civil Defence Region 3, lauded the DPMMH as it is the only hospital in the region that conducts an annual fire and earthquake drill.
“Kayo lang po ata ang nagcoconduct ng gantong earthquake drill. Nag-improve ‘yong communication system, ung alarm at mga gamit natin niyo pang rescue,” said Dumlao.
Guagua Mayor Dante Torres said private hospitals and other establishments in the municipality should follow the footsteps of DPMMH when it comes to disaster preparedness.
By Liezel Cayanan
