BSU Participates in F2F NSED

More than 100 Benguet State University (BSU) employees participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 8, 2022, the first face-to-face earthquake drill held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The activity was conducted after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) urged the Local Government Units, public and private institutions, and the public to join the NSED this third quarter. The NSED aims to promote advocacy for earthquake awareness and preparedness in the country.

 

Initiated by the Security Services Office (SSO) headed by Odelon C. Dulay, the BSU personnel immediately performed DUCK, COVER, and HOLD when the bell rang at 9 AM. These practices intend to mitigate injuries from falling or flying objects during earthquakes. According to Dulay, it is safer to duck, cover, and hold until the shaking stops. Afterward, all employees rushed outside the administration building covering their heads.

 

Dulay thanked the BSU personnel for their participation and reiterated ways to survive an earthquake. “I am grateful that the participation of the BSU employees during NSED has improved and that it should improve more. During earthquakes, it is important to do a head count among your co-workers to check if someone is trapped inside. In cases like this, you can also report it to the Security Services Office. While moving out of the building, also cover your head with books or bags,” advised Dulay.

 

Dulay further encouraged the University employees to continuously support and participate in quake drills. He added that they improved facilities in the University buildings, such as the exit doors, for easier exit when disasters such as earthquakes and fire happen. With the importance of widened and strengthened information dissemination, SSO also plans to conduct an orientation on earthquake preparedness among students. He hoped that earthquake awareness and preparedness campaigns are integrated into the disaster risk reduction management-related trainings implemented at the University. //EMB