In efforts to boost disaster awareness and preparedness within the FAB, the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), together with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), conducted a FAB-wide simultaneous earthquake drill participated by six (6) FAB-registered enterprises last 24 May 2019.

Facilitated by the members of the PDRRMC headed by Ms. Glenn Diwa, the simultaneous earthquake drill was participated by identified enterprises with high hazard risks during earthquakes namely DLX and Desktop Bags, Warrensburg Manufacturing, Inc., FCF and FPF Corporation, and Mitsumi Philippines, Inc.

The main goals of the earthquake drill were to evaluate each enterprise’s: 1) Execution of Duck, Cover and Hold, 2) Evacuation Procedure, 3) Accounting of Personnel, 4) Conduct of Assessment on Damages, and 5) Execution of Company Protocol for Emergencies.

A post-evaluation activity was conducted after the drill to identify areas for improvement. Overall, Ms. Diwa commended the participants’ performance during the drill and emphasized the importance of constantly practicing emergency preparedness measures and response plans.

As closing, AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda expressed his gratitude to all the participants and encouraged them to use the results of the evaluation as a tool to improve the FAB’s reference system for disaster management. He also assured the AFAB’s continued support in the regular conduct of emergency preparedness activities within the FAB.

AFAB