The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bulacan, in collaboration with the Marilao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), conducted the third Nationwide Earthquake Drill in the province on Thursday, September 26, to promote disaster preparedness and awareness.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bulacan Provincial Fire Marshall FSSupt. Ernesto S. Pagdanganan gives a lecture on earthquake preparedness, which was attended by SM employees, agency personnel, tenants, and affiliates during the third quarter nationwide earthquake drill on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Freddie Velez)
Bulacan fire marshall FSSupt. Ernesto Pagdanganan, along with MDRRMO assistant head Dorothy Bonifacio, led the earthquake drill, which was held to strengthen the community's readiness in the event of a major earthquake.
At around 9 a.m., the Marilao City Emergency Response Team (MCERT) carried out various emergency response exercises, including evacuation, clearing operations, search and rescue, medical assistance, and communication strategies to ensure a well-coordinated response during potential emergency situations.
The drill simulated a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, demonstrating several critical scenarios during and after the disaster. These efforts are crucial to educating residents about what to do in case of a severe earthquake.
Pagdanganan discussed worst-case scenarios, recommended evacuation routes, first-aid treatment, and contingency plans that are vital in ensuring the safety of the public during a seismic emergency.
The drill is part of the nationwide effort to ensure that local communities are better equipped to handle natural disasters and reduce the risk of casualties.