Mayor Isko orders Mendiola schools to hold random earthquake drills
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso ordered officials of the Mendiola Consortium Schools which is comprised of St. Jude Catholic School, Centro Escolar University, San Beda University, and La Consolacion College, to conduct random earthquake drills to ensure their readiness in times of emergencies and calamities.
In his meeting with Mendiola Consortium Schools Executive Director Dr. Carmencita Salonga and representatives of the four schools on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Domagoso asked them to implement random earthquake drills twice a month to further increase their preparedness against disasters, most especially "The Big One" that may hit Metro Manila anytime.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that "The Big One” is a scenario of a massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake wherein the Marikina Valley fault system, which extends from Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan to Canlubang in Laguna, moves.
The tremor is projected to kill and injure hundreds of thousands of people in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The mayor stressed this initiative aims to integrate disaster preparedness and response routines for all school staff and students, preventing panic and chaos once disaster strikes.
The officials also tackled the ongoing parking and obstruction problem in Mendiola, prompting Domagoso to order Manila's Department of Public Services (DPS) to conduct clearing operations in the area.
They are also eyeing the possibility of making the stretch of Recto Avenue up to the gate of Malacañang Palace a plaza or walking area to improve the traffic situation in Mendiola.