The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), alongside various Iloilo disaster risk reduction and management offices, and in partnership with PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, recently held a hazard simulation drill in Barangay Tambaliza, located in Concepcion, Iloilo.

“In Iloilo, we’ve seen it is possible to tap companies, like Smart, to help build the resilience of these island communities,” said ADRA disaster risk reduction officer Elias Salazar.

The drill, which simulated a typhoon, began with barangay officials receiving a weather bulletin via Smart Infocast, a messaging service that enables disaster risk reduction officers to send updates, weather bulletins, and other critical information to barangay officials.

Barangay officials and responders then convened to assess the situation and, with a simulated Storm Signal No. 2 declared, which requires preemptive evacuation, the barangay emergency team set up a temporary shelter at Tambaliza National High School.

The drill helped guide residents on what to do in times of calamities./WDJ