As the month celebrates fire protection, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), headed by Deputy Fire Marshal SFO3 Rene Dalupe, conducted a seminar and drill on fire and earthquake safety at Isabela State University-Roxas Campus, Matusalem, Roxas, Isabela, on March 18, 2024, as part of the school’s safety plan. The activity was attended by students and school personnel.

SFO3 Dalupe reminds of the important roles of teachers and the emergency response team for the safety of everyone, especially the students, during and after an earthquake. He gives a lecture on the actions that must be taken during an earthquake, such as sounding the alarm, instructing learners to perform the duck, cover, and hold technique, moving outside the vicinity towards the evacuation area, counting students for reporting, assisting individuals affected by the quake, and identifying debris/offices to determine if it is still safe to continue operations.

While discussing the fire calamity, he emphasizes that if the fire cannot be extinguished, those affected must promptly evacuate the area and contact or inform the nearest fire station for assistance. They also provide instruction to everyone on how to use a fire extinguisher.

In his discussion, he emphasized the technicalities regarding infrastructure, such as emergency exits, hallways, stairs, doors, corridors, and similar features, including emergency signage. These are often overlooked and can significantly impact emergency disaster responses.

Dr. Rosalyn L. Bautista, the campus administrator, calls for unity and collaboration from everyone to ensure a fire- and disaster-resilient ISU Roxas Campus.

The event represents a proactive step towards the institution’s Sustainable Development Goal number 13, ‘climate action,’ in enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. Aside from SDG 13, the institution’s response to disasters might also impact other goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, and infrastructure. The collaboration with the BFP reflects SDG 17, focusing on strong partnership goals.