DOTr Expressed Full Support in the 3rd #MMShakeDrill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a bid to heighten employees’ awareness and preparedness in the event that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Metro Manila, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) exerted its full support and participation to the third #MMShakeDrill held earlier today, 14 July 2017.

At the sound of an alarm that signaled the start of the drill, DOTr employees, along with other tenants in the Columbia Tower in Mandaluyong, observed the duck, cover, and hold maneuver for 45 seconds before evacuating the building.

“It is very important for all of us to participate in these drills because preparedness will translate to survival when the time comes. ‘The Big One’ can strike at any time and so we must be ready,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Eymard Eje.

The DOTr has likewise organized an Incident Management Team that prepared simulation scenarios for the drill, including staged victims and rescue operations.

“Of course our prayer is that we won’t need to face such a calamity, but our employees’ safety is our main concern so we must take every precaution,” added Eje.

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order including the DOTr in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Its main task is to take care of transportation systems during rescue and relief operations.