LAOAG CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a surprise earthquake drill at the Badio Elementary School in Pinili town, Ilocos Norte on Thursday morning to assess the learners’ knowledge and preparation for a tremor.
At 9:45 a.m., the school bell rang twice, which surprised the students. Grade 3 pupil Hannah Luzcille Pagdilao and her classmates immediately ducked, covered their heads with a book and moved out of their classroom.
While they were at the open grounds, the eight-year-old Pagdilao, who was assigned as team leader, began counting her classmates to check if anyone was “trapped” inside the classroom.
In a corner, Senior Police Officer 1 Noel Abad, along with Police Officers Claire Ramiscal, Princess Aguinaldo, Sammy Sangbaan, Neil John Kieran Leano, and Richard Rafanan of the Police Community Relations Office of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, observed the reactions and alertness of the kids.
After the drill, Abad lauded the school children for their serious cooperation in the undertaking.
“Job well done, children!” Abad exclaimed with a warm applause as he also acknowledged the teachers and their school principal for teaching the students well.
“The hold, duck and cover exercise is not new anymore to our pupils,” said school principal, Aileen Rambaud, as she noted that they regularly participate in the conduct of nationwide earthquake drills.
Nonetheless, the police reiterated to the young learners the dos and don’ts when an earthquake occurs. They also gave some tips to the children to share with their family and friends.
Abad reminded the students not to panic and to instead just hold, duck and find hard objects to cover the head to avoid falling objects from causing accidents or wounds.
On Aug. 16, Ilocos Norte will host a nationwide earthquake drill where all concerned stakeholders are encouraged to participate. (/PNA)
