Earthquake Drill at Dr. Victoria BRMHS
On the morning of February 20, 2025, the school successfully conducted an earthquake drill as part of its ongoing commitment to disaster preparedness and safety.The drill, which began promptly at 9:00 am, was meticulously organized under the leadership of DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) Coordinator Alijah Louise Dalde, with full support from School Principal Angelo R. Basilio and active participation from students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.
The primary objective of the drill was to ensure that all members of the school community are well-prepared in case of a real earthquake or other emergencies. By practicing evacuation procedures and emergency protocols, the school aimed to minimize risks and enhance response times during actual disasters. This initiative aligns with national guidelines for disaster risk reduction and reinforces the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding lives.
Under the guidance of DRRM Coordinator Alijah Louise Dalde, the drill was carefully planned weeks in advance. Ms. Dalde worked closely with School Principal Angelo R. Basilio to design a comprehensive program that included clear instructions, designated assembly points, and contingency plans. Her expertise ensured that every aspect of the drill—from classroom evacuations to headcounts—was executed seamlessly.
The Principal emphasized the significance of such drills in fostering a culture of safety within the school. The Principal reminded everyone that "preparedness saves lives" and encouraged both students and staff to take the exercise seriously.
"Preparedness is the key to resilience. Today’s drill ensures tomorrow’s safety."
Meanwhile, the monitoring team, composed of dedicated non-teaching personnel, played a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the drill. Their responsibilities included timing the evacuation process, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and identifying areas for improvement. Their vigilance helped maintain order throughout the activity and provided valuable feedback afterward.
At exactly 9:00 am, the alarm signaling the start of the drill rang across the campus. Students and teachers immediately followed the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" procedure, taking cover under desks and protecting their heads. Once the initial shaking simulation ended, participants evacuated the buildings in an orderly manner, following predetermined routes to designated safe zones outside.
Non-teaching personnel stationed at various checkpoints monitored the flow of evacuees and ensured no one was left behind. Teachers conducted roll calls upon reaching the assembly area to confirm that all students were accounted for. Any discrepancies were quickly reported to the monitoring team for resolution.
The entire drill lasted approximately 20 minutes, after which DRRM Coordinator Alijah Louise Dalde addressed the gathered crowd. She commended everyone for their cooperation and highlighted key observations made by the monitoring team. While praising the overall efficiency of the evacuation, she also pointed out minor issues, such as congestion at certain exits, which will be addressed in future drills.
Following the drill, a debriefing session was held involving representatives from each stakeholder group. During this meeting, the monitoring team shared detailed insights into what went well and where improvements could be made. Suggestions included increasing signage visibility and conducting more frequent drills to build muscle memory among participants.
The Principal expressed gratitude to everyone involved, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Ms. Dalde and the non-teaching personnel. He reiterated the school's dedication to maintaining high standards of safety and urged continuous collaboration to refine emergency preparedness strategies.
The earthquake drill conducted on February 20, 2025, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of being ready for unforeseen circumstances. Thanks to the hard work of DRRM Coordinator Alijah Louise Dalde, the leadership of School Principal Angelo R. Basilio, and the diligence of the monitoring team, the school has taken another significant step toward creating a safer environment for its students and staff. As natural disasters remain unpredictable, it is through consistent practice and education that we can empower communities to respond effectively when it matters most.
This event not only strengthened the school’s emergency readiness but also instilled confidence in the hearts of those who participated—a testament to the power of preparation and teamwork.
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