NVSU conducts Earthquake Drill, earns 'Very Satisfactory' rating

In support of the 2024 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) and in compliance with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 013, series of 2024, the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Bayombong Campus conducted an earthquake drill that earned a “Very Satisfactory” rating from evaluators, Dec. 04, 2024.

Organized by the NVSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) team in collaboration with the University Emergency Response Team (UERT), NVSU Red Cross Youth (RCY) and local emergency response units, following strict guidelines and protocols outlined by the NDRRMC, the drill highlighted the university's proactive stance in ensuring the safety and preparedness of its students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders.

The evaluators, composed of representatives from Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Nueva Vizcaya Emergency Response Team (PDRRMO NVERT), Provincial Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Independent Kabalikat Civicom Inc. (IKCI), and United Kabalikat Civicom 165M Nueva Vizcaya, commended NVSU for its comprehensive preparation, efficient execution, and high level of community engagement.

“Congratulations NVSU! Kung ire-rate ko itong earthquake drill na ito, isa ito sa pinaka-successful earthquake drills pagdating sa eskwelahan na nakita ko,” one representative from PDRRMO NVERT said.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Elma P. Apostol, the officer-in-charge for the day, expressed her gratitude to all participants, the invited response teams and organizers, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness in safeguarding lives.

“Salamat po sa pagsama po sa amin. Salama po sa inyong presensya. Hinihiling natin na sana po tuloy tuloy ang ating magandang relationship but ofcourse ang prayer po natin, sana po hindi mangyari ang mga sakunang tulad nito,” Dr. Apostol stated.

Moreover, Dr. Arvin P. Vallesteros, Campus Administrator for Bayombong Campus and UDRRM Coordinator, emphasized the significance of the earthquake drill in promoting a culture of safety and preparedness within the university.

He also noted that the activity had been postponed due to the impact of recent typhoons that struck the province, emphasizing the challenges of balancing disaster response with preparedness initiatives.

The UDRRM team through its Chairman and Coordinator, Mr. Jonathan G. Galiste, announced plans for more disaster preparedness initiatives, including fire drills and emergency response training sessions, to further enhance the university community's resilience.