THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas urged the City Government of Bacolod to conduct a massive education campaign and training to raise awareness and preparedness for the eventuality of a major earthquake.

OCD-Western Visayas officer-in-charge Ma. Aletha Nogra, who led the second Quarter of 2018 National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at the Bacolod Government Center Thursday afternoon, said all the responders in Bacolod are well-trained and equipped, but they need to find a spokesperson for the operations of the city in any calamities.

She said the drill, which was participated by more than 700 city employees, needs more improvement.

"The employees performed well, but it needs more seriousness to ensure their safety during the calamity. The team leaders need more training, overall there's a lot to be improved," she added.

During the drill, the employees practice the "duck", cover and hold" and were told to proceed to an open area outside the BGC.

Nogra noted that under Republic Act 10121 or the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act" stated disaster risk reduction is everybody's responsibility.

Nogra said she will recommend to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) to have contingency planning and response cluster to determine the role of every office.

"All the government employees must be trained on disaster risk reduction management to ensure their safety. We have to keep our families safe first and to answer the call in service. As early as right now, we have to build up the community level," she said.

She added the barangay officials should also initiate an earthquake drill within their respective barangays.

For structural integrity, Nogra said the city government also need to improve its alarm system at BGC.

Executive Assistant Jose Maria Vargas, cluster head of CDRRMO, said the drill needs more seriousness of the employees.

"We were able to finish the drill for 48 minutes, but on the actual situation, it will run for two to three hours," he said.

He added it's a simultaneous drill with the 69 public and secondary schools in Bacolod with the participation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bacolod Engineering Office and SM City.

Vargas disclosed that he will submit the report to Mayor Evelio Leonardia. (MAP/SunStar Bacolod)