On July 8, 2024, UPRI representatives IB Chief Science Research Specialist Jose Abraham Ongkiko, NOAH FMC researchers Dino John Evangelista and Glenn Sabio supervised the rapid assessment of the three buildings of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance’s (NCPAG). The NCPAG was represented by Dean Kristoffer Berse and the NCPAG staff. The activity is part of the collaboration between the two institutions to strengthen NCPAG’s disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) plans and capacities.
Figure 1. UPRI representatives and NCPAG representatives
The initial building inspection started at the three-story main building of the college, where its offices, classrooms, and library were situated. The UPRI representatives began by asking about the existing DRRM plans of the college and cross-examining if such plans are in line with the current condition of the building.
Salient findings in the main building include defective fire alarms, unlit exit signs, cracked windows, and a lack of evacuation plans per room. Further, mobility for persons with apparent disabilities would also become an issue, should there be an emergency, due to the lack of ramps.
Figure 2. Initial building inspection at the main building of NCPAG
Immediately after thoroughly assessing the main building, UPRI and NCPAG representatives proceeded to the adjacent Case Room and Cafeteria for further evaluation. The Case Room, with its organized rows of seating and audiovisual equipment, was inspected meticulously to ensure that all safety and functional aspects were up to standard. However, the assessment of the cafeteria did not occur due to the locked space since the COVID-19 pandemic.
As such, the team proceeded to the International Center for Public Administration (ICPA). Here, they circled the premises and examined its infrastructure, function hall, comfort rooms, and exterior to survey if everything met the required standards for a conducive learning and working environment.
Following the rapid assessment, UPRI and NCPAG representatives conducted a debriefing session.
The debriefing session commenced with questions directed at the NCPAG representatives about their preparedness to respond to medical emergencies, including hypothetical scenarios to gauge their readiness for various emergencies. Further, the UPRI representatives asked for the NCPAG staff’s experiences with different hazards at their college building.
The session concluded with the NCPAG administrative staff expressing a strong desire for training on proper first-aid procedures. They also requested for a possible inclusion of Go-bags or emergency kits. These requests and the data from the rapid assessment would serve as a foundation for the upcoming training the UPRI will organize.
Prepared by:
Csherilyn F. Cuntapay
Alexandra A. Dela Cruz
IB Student Interns