LUNA, Apayao – Despite his busy schedule and an on-going meeting with some of his department heads and visitors, Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. unexpectedly chose to “duck, cover and hold” and downright participated in the 3rd quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill at the Apayao Government Center, here on September 27.
When the Capitol’s siren sounded at 2 PM even in the middle of discussion, Bulut opted to lead the drill right in his office which was followed by Provincial Administrator Vincent Talattag, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Henry Caluducan and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Marvin Basquez.
After performing the “duck, cover and hold,” they joined other officials and employees of the Capitol and proceeded to the parking lot designated as the evacuation area.
The Apayao Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) steered by PDRRMC Co-Chairman Talattag initiated the earthquake drill in coordination with other national line agencies, municipalities, barangays and public schools. A total of 5,731 participated in the whole province.
The Apayao State College Main Campus had the most number of participants with 730 while Conner National Highs School with 4P’s beneficiaries came second with 628 participants.
The PGA including the governor and department heads had a total of 450.
After the PDRRMO accounted the total numbers of participants and/or evacuees and are ready to return office, a simple orientation with actual use of fire extinguishers was carried out in front of the Capitol building by SFO3 Arnel G. Valdez of Luna Fire Station and FO1 Dave C. Carillo of the Province.
The PDRRMO has been very active in ensuring the safety of the Iapayaos. It conducts regular drills and seminars which aim for a safer and resilient community.
Apayao was adjudged as the best in the Cordilleras in the 2016 Gawad KALASAG annual search for excellence in disaster risk management and human assistance and is aiming to repeat the same through the relentless support of Governor Bulut and total cooperation of all the members of the PDRRM Council.
By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
