IN BACOLOD
Earthquake drills conducted

Earthquake drills were conducted at the Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod and at the Barangay Handumanan National High School by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of the Bacolod City government, recently.

Preparedness is important since unlike typhoons, earthquakes and tornadoes cannot be detected, DRRMO head Jomarie Vargas said, adding that there is need for students to be properly informed and educated on what to do before, during and after a temblor, a press release from DRRMO said.

The students were advised not to run when there is an earthquake because they will be disoriented, and may incur injuries. Those in school should stay wherever they are and execute the three important moves of “duck, cover and hold,” until the tremor stops, and stay away from window glass that could break with strong earth movements, the press release said.

The drill at the CSA-B was held in coordination with the School Disaster Management Committee, led by Fr. Ronald Siaga. DRRMO personnel also reoriented the SDMC members and the students of the National Service Training Program on disaster preparedness. About 1,000 elementary, high school and college students and faculty members participated in the activity.

Vargas told students and faculty staff of the Handumanan NHS that it is important for schools to regularly conduct drills, and to come up with an evacuation plan for emergencies.

He encouraged other public and private schools to undertake disaster risk reduction and management activities, the press release added.

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Bacoleña student lauded

Bacoleña Johnavel Marie Ninoy, a grade 6 student of Tay Tung High School in Bacolod City, was commended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia for winning the bronze and silver medals in the KMC International Mathematics Contest and the 2012 8th Asia Cup Stars of the Olympic Math Finals, respectively, held in Hong Kong, recently.

Leonardia said, Johnavel serves as an inspiration, not only to her parents, classmates and friends, but to all children of Bacolod. He told her to keep up the good work to pursue her dreams and ambitions, when she and her parents, John Peter and Elva Ureta Ninoy, called on the mayor recently at the Bacolod Government Center, a press release from the city said.

Johnavel took several examinations and passed the Mathematics Trainers Guild–Philippines to qualify for the search for the Asian Math Wizard Hong Kong math contest, the press release added.*

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3rd district brgys
get assistance

Three barangays in the third district of Negros Occidental recently received assistance for community development projects from Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), a press release from his office said.

A ceremonial switching-on of streetlights and turnover of service motorcycle activities were conducted in Sitio Cayum-it, Barangay Hawaiian, Silay City, on July 27.

A dialog with the fishermen of Barangay 6A in Victorias City was led by Benitez before handing over a grant of P533,604 to the Kabayan Association and the Boulevard Association for their integrated livelihood projects, the press release also said.

Around 86 marginal fishermen can also avail of the assistance for fishing supplies, pump boat repair, purchase of motor for pump boats and other livelihood projects. The program is supported by the Department of Labor and Employment and the Victorias City government, it said.

Barangay Lantad in Silay City, meanwhile, received a Fuso double cab Canter that was turned over by Benitez’s son, Javi, to Brgy. Captain Genalyn Benedicto, and witnessed by Silay ABC president Joedith Gallego, kagawads Cheryl Gonzales and Jose Maria Janagap, Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Claire Hope Cuelo, barangay treasurer Raulito Domrique and Jem Jamola of the Congressional District Office, the press release added.*

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