Office of Civil Defence lauds DPMMH on fire, earthquake drill

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Office of the Civil Defence (OCD) yesterday lauded Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital (DPMMH)  being the first in the province and possibly in the region to institutionalize fire and earthquake drill.

Michael Dumlao, an OCD representative said the DPMMH has proven deep commitment to protect its employees and patients from any untoward incident that may be brought by calamity including earthquake and fire incident.

Dumlao added that it’s rare for  hospital to conduct a drill on fire and earthquake but still DPMMH under the leadership of Dr. Eddie Ponio managed to pioneer such activity to further strengthen the capability in addressing the needs of its constituents under any circumstance.

“Isa ang Diosdado Macapagal Hospital sa unang nagsagawa ng fire and earthquake drill. Dati mga eskuwelahan lamang ang nakikita nating nagsasagawa nito ngayon pati hospital na,” he stated.

Dumlao also noted the existence of the hospital disaster management unit which according to him is necessary to provide immediate response of the patients during calamity.

“We should be prepared for any situation,” Dr. Ponio pointed out.

DPMMH Chief Dr. Eddie Ponio

Superintendent Neil Miro, deputy police provincial director for operations, on the other hand, congratulated Dr. Ponio among other doctors and hospital employees who contributed to the success of the fire and earthquake drill.

Miro, meanwhile, suggested that aside from protecting the lives of the employees and patients, there is also a need to protect properties and equipments from individuals who may possibly take advantage of the situation to enrich themselves.

“Marami ang pweding magsamantala sa ganitong sitwasyon. Kailangan ay magdesignate din tayo ng mga tao na magbabantay sa mga properties natin lalu yung mamahalin baka tayo manakawan,” the deputy police provincial director for operations stressed.

Superintendent Emmanuel Arrozal, Bureau of Fire Protection head likewise extended the congratulation to DPMMH for the conduct of the said drill as this provides awareness and preparedness to the people for any similar incident that may occur in the future.

Also present during the fire and earthquake drill were officials from the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), Sta. Rita Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) and Red Cross.