Safety took center stage as the UPLB Security and Safety Office (SSO) successfully conducted a fire and earthquake drill at the Agricultural Genomics Research Center (AGRC) construction site on March 28, 2025. 

This initiative, held in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and ISTEEL Construction Firm, highlighted UPLB’s steadfast commitment to disaster preparedness and safety.

The drill was conducted at IRRI’s request and spearheaded by SSO Director Eric Paul D. Peralta, with the assistance of Deputy Director Percival Henry Balite, Special Police Assistant Chief Jonathan Maliwat, and the SSO Crisis and Emergency Response Unit, which the latter heads. 

The event also saw active participation from all those who were involved, exemplifying a strong spirit of collaboration in fostering safety in workplaces.

This preparedness exercise was especially timely following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Thailand, which caused the collapse of a high-rise construction site in Bangkok. UPLB SSO is focusing on the importance of continuous preparedness efforts because disaster readiness is a consistent need to ensure that the UPLB community is always prepared for fires and earthquakes. (Alva Marie H. Tirones)