By Dhel Sue Cabiara
To strengthen campus disaster response protocols, the Silliman University (SU) vowed to enhance current contingency plans by better coordinating its offices, units, and preparedness systems.
SU aims to maintain its Crisis Prevention and Response Policy and Protocol in the Revised Student Handbook, according to Office of Media and Public Affairs director Dr. Warlito Caturay Jr.
The said policy is the framework and guidelines for an immediate response from SU’s Crisis Prevention and Response Team with assistance from local units to a declared emergency.
Caturay said campus units such as the Security and Safety Office, Office of Student Services, and colleges also work together to coordinate emergency efforts and ensure student readiness.
“Drills and simulations are conducted by several departments, while the SU Fire Brigade, trained nursing and medical staff, and response assets […] help ensure rapid response,” he explained.
This is supported by the inclusion of the SU Fire Brigade under the Facilities Management and Administrative Services Office (FMAS) in the University Organizational Structure and Command Flow Chart.
Recently, two major earthquakes originating in Cebu Province and Davao Oriental have also prompted emergency response among local agencies within Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental.
Caturay added that the university continues to coordinate with local disaster response agencies, such as the City Government of Dumaguete, City Fire Department, and SU Medical Center Foundation, Inc., to strengthen its preparedness systems.
Meanwhile, SU Student Government President Grylle Adrian Malala said their first priority is to improve communication and collaboration to effectively inform and educate students about SU’s safety protocols.
“We maintain contingency plans that we continuously refine to better support our students, […] we [also] recognize the importance of guidance and supervision from the [SU] administration, who possess deeper expertise in managing such situations,” he stated.
Moreover, the SUSG proposed a better organization to the SU Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
These include clearly defining key personnel, roles, and responsibilities, regularly conducting drills to practice procedures, and equipping each department with emergency kits.
