PRC to Resume Earthquake Drills in Schools, Workplaces for Public Safety

Manila (PIA) – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) plans to resume conducting drills in different schools to give students a demonstration of what to do in case of an earthquake.

“We don’t know when the Big One will strike, so we have to be prepared. People should know what to do when an earthquake hits and where to seek refuge. These drills could save lives. We want to resume conducting them in the schools this June,” PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon said.

Gordon said they are advocating to support schools and workplaces in conducting earthquake drills for the safety of the students and other people.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recently reported that the West Valley Fault that runs through Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. There is also an East Valley Fault that runs through Rizal.

At least six schools in Mega Manila that are transected by the West Valley Fault have been identified. The schools are: Barangka Elementary School in Marikina, Tibagan Elementary School in Makati Anne Claire Montessori in Taguig, E. Pedro Diaz High School and Alabang Elementary School in Muntinlupa.

Meanwhile, the PRC chief instructed all Red Cross Chapter administrators in the National Capital Region to coordinate with public and private schools in their areas to set a schedule for an earthquake drill.

He also directed them to coordinate with building administrators, public and private offices so that drills could also be set for building tenants and the employees. (PRC/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)