PRESS RELEASE 
July 9, 2009
Office of Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri
Ref. Public Information Office
Telefax 3244644

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri yesterday announced that the local government has lined up preparedness exercises for the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July.

According to Echiverri, in keeping with this year's theme, “Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro,” the city has prepared mitigation measures that should be undertaken during calamities be they of natural cause or man-made.

The mayor, who also chairs the Caloocan City Disaster Coordinating Council, noted that the highlight of the celebration will be the conduct of a simulated Earthquake and Fire Drill at the Caloocan High School on July 17.

With a total population of at least 10,000 students, Caloocan City's secondary public school along 10th Avenue was primarily selected earlier as a pilot school by members of the National Disaster Coordinating Council – Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Siesmology, Metro Manila Development Authority and Department of Education because of its appropriate evacuation facility highly preferred for media coverage.

Likewise, with the help of the tri-media, information and education advocacies and campaigns will also be conducted, Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management (RDPSTM) Chief Alfonso Sta. Maria said.

Moreover, the RDPSTM and Caloocan Rescue will also spearhead the conduct of a citywide fire and earthquake drills in Caloocan's 188 other private and public schools.

Sta. Maria said the drills aim to prepare the public on what to do in case of earthquakes and possible scenarios during the incident.

The public safety chief added that the exercises will also test the awareness and preparedness of the local disaster board, other government agencies, school administrators, faculty members and students in conducting the drills.

Meanwhile, other activities which have been identified include water search and rescue (WASAR) capability demonstration, basic life support training for Caloocan Rescue members, symposium on disaster preparedness, information drive on disaster preparedness and coastal clean-up drive.

Last July 1, the city held a kick off ceremony with a short opening program, a motorcade and a Mass at the City Hall