Hospitals enhance disaster preparedness after series of earthquakes in South Cotabato

South Cotabato, Philippines — Following a series of earthquakes recently felt across the region, government hospitals in South Cotabato have strengthened their disaster preparedness measures to ensure patient safety and continuity of healthcare services.

At Norala District Hospital (NDH), hospital staff and management immediately implemented earthquake safety protocols during the tremors, including the Duck, Cover, and Hold procedure.

Personnel assisted patients, particularly those with limited mobility and those undergoing medical procedures, while safety reminders were announced to maintain order and calm within the facility.

In response to the recurring shaking, NDH enhanced its readiness by requiring staff to wear protective safety helmets during duty hours and by installing temporary tents outside the hospital as designated safe zones in the event of evacuation.

“Our priority is to protect everyone inside the hospital, especially during emergencies,” said Dr. Mila Quinton, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to patient and staff safety.

Parallel to these measures, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) intensified its emergency preparedness initiatives through a fire safety lecture and drill conducted on January 23, 2025.

The activity was facilitated by the Bureau of Fire Protection – Koronadal, led by Fire Officer II Darryl Jade Cabangal, Fire Officer I Gioshua Lance Lee, and Fire Officer I Jessica Jane Cura, under the direction of City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Junnel Jay Raborar.

The lecture focused on fire outbreak protocols, emergency response procedures, and safety measures specific to healthcare facilities, aimed at ensuring that hospital personnel are fully equipped to respond to various emergency scenarios.

Hospital officials emphasized that these preparedness measures form part of a continuous effort to strengthen disaster response following the recent earthquakes, reaffirming the commitment of public hospitals to safeguard patients, personnel, and hospital facilities amid natural and man-made emergencies.