September 26, 2024 – The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) conducted an earthquake and fire drill across its three campuses, aligning with the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. ASCOT’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), in partnership with the Baler Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Baler, spearheaded this safety initiative at the Zabali Campus, engaging students, faculty, and non-teaching personnel in active participation.At ASCOT’s Main Campus, the drill featured a lecture and hands-on training, where participants underwent pre- and post-evaluations on earthquake preparedness, DRRMG checklist, fire safety, and proper evacuation procedures. The goal was to equip the ASCOT community with practical skills and critical knowledge for effective emergency response.
This initiative reflects ASCOT’s strong commitment to safeguarding its community, consistently preparing its students and staff for potential disasters. By conducting regular drills and building strong partnerships with local agencies, ASCOT continues to prioritize a proactive approach to risk management.
Baler MDRRMO head Mr. Hector Dela Torre, alongside officers from BFP Baler—SFO2 May Donato, FO3 Dick N. Abuan, FO2 Adelaida P. Supat, FO2 Jasan R. Baradi, and FO1 Emmanuel Dwight D. Ariem—provided expert guidance throughout the exercise.
ASCOT’s DRRMO Director, Ms. Diana Rose P. De Mesa-Amazona, thanked the ASCOT community for their active and serious participation in the drills, highlighting that preparedness is vital in reducing risks and saving lives during emergencies.