PFNHS’ DRRM beefs up disaster preparedness measures

BY JOBELLE M. MORATO

To reinforce disaster preparedness measures in the school premises, the School Disaster Risk
Reduction Management (SDRRM) of Paradise Farms National High School posted signages in every
school building, established an Incident Command System (ICS) and conducted an earthquake drill last
June 21.

According to Teacher Florie Fe S. Ampo, SDRRM Alternate Coordinator, each school building
has an emergency evacuation plan posted in the walls so that students are aware on what place they will
stay in times of disaster.

Moreover, safety signs are attached on each building to give warnings to the students. Examples
of these safety signs include “Watch your step” and “Do not lean on rail”. Ampo assured that buildings are
equipped with fire extinguishers and fire alarms.

PFNHS’ SDRRM also conducted an earthquake drill on June 21, 2018 along with the National
Simultaneous Earthquake Drill which involved the school’s rescue team practicing appropriate first aid
measures to the students. The said drill will be conducted again on November and February, respectively.

Ampo also added that the school formed an ICS which is headed by the incident commander
Principal Engr. Danilo A. Casas, Filipino Department Head Teacher III Erlinda A. Roxas as the head of
the planning section and Senior High School Coordinator Joy M. Brigola as the head of logistics section of
the organization. Meanwhile, Faculty and Employers Association President Nelson A. Galicia headed the
finance administrative section and Teacher Joseph P. Batingan for the operations section.

Ampo explains that ICS is an organization tasked to provide safety plans and to control the
school when a disaster happens. It is a response to the challenges encountered from past major disasters
and incidents mandated to be established in the Philippines through the Republic Act 10121.