The SM malls in the City of San Fernando participated in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) in a bid to educate the public on disaster preparedness particularly against earthquakes.
SM malls in Pampanga, Telabastagan, San Fernando Downtown and Savemore Market Apalit held simulations on earthquake and evacuation participated by employees, tenants, and staff. The SM management provides awareness to its frontliners and partners regarding natural and man-made catastrophes by conducting regular seminars on safety and evacuation.
A total of 2,340 participants including 1,225 in SM Pampanga, 710 in Telabastagan, 404 in San Fernando Downtown and Savore Apalit to include customers, tenants/affiliates, BPO and SM employees and agencies participated in the drill. The Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) also provide trainings and coordination with SM malls on earthquake and fire simulations.
The next day, simulation exercises involving a bombing incident and active shooter took place at SM City Pampanga Amphitheatre.
The Pampanga 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Pampanga Police Provincial Office, headed by Provincial Director PSSupt. Jean Fajardo and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Masangkay, display its capability in responding to a hostile situation in terms of manpower, mobility, expertise and professionalism.
PNP-PPO performed the bombing scenario at the vacant lot of SM City Pampanga to ensure safety among shoppers, employees and structures of the said mall. Moreover, PPO deploy personnel in the nearby establishments and barangays to inform the populace about the simulation exercise. Fireball is used to simulate the loud explosion which is safe and fragment-less explosive device.
Provincial Director PSSupt. Jean Fajardo said the mall’s regular holding of drills and trainings among its security personnel play a vital role in the security of the establishment as they are considered the first line of defense.
SM City Pampanga Mall Manager Aaron Montenegro said the mall supports the PNP-PPO in its effort to secure the people and continue the partnership in terms of trainings and drills in the mall.
Other partner agencies in the simulation exercise are Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), San Fernando Rescue Unit (SAFRU), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).ReplyForward