Roman Reyes stands in front of the two buses that were used during an emergency exit drill Monday. To his left, a special needs bus is seen filled with smoke.
The bus drivers from Tinian. From left, Mario Alo, Daesha Santos and Victor Linan.
The bus drivers from Rota. From left, Ignacio V. Lizama II, Vincent Gregory Camacho Manglona, Sarita Jacob, Luis Mendiola and Lorenzo Hocog Jr.
Rudy Cepeda exits a school bus holding one of three mannequins hidden inside.
A firefighter uses a smoke ejector to fill a special needs bus with simulated smoke.
A PSS bus driver removes a mannequin from a special needs bus during an emergency exit drill.
THE Public School System on Monday conducted an emergency exit drill for bus drivers in collaboration with the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services at the PSS Bus Depot in Lower Base.
PSS’ new school year starts on Aug. 22, Monday.
According to a DFEMS media release, a smoke ejector was utilized to simulate a source of smoke from within two PSS school buses — a long bus and a special needs bus. Bus drivers practiced evacuating three mannequins from inside the buses.
DFEMS stated that firefighters will issue an after-action report that evaluates performances and provides suggested adjustments.
“[PSS] felt it needs to have as much training as possible, so we’re prepared for any type of emergency out there when we have students in the bus,” said Shawn San Nicolas, PSS pupil transportation director.
He said it was the second emergency exit drill PSS hosted for its bus drivers this year.
“It’s intense,” said Roman Reyes, a bus driver with two years of experience. “When you get in there it’s mind over matter, you have to remain calm and keep your focus.”
Reyes said despite using his phone’s flashlight it was still difficult to see even inches in front of his face.
“It was really dark in there. You can put your hand close to your face and you wouldn’t even see your hand,” Reyes said.
He said large buses can fit up to 65 students in one trip.
San Nicolas said special-needs buses can fit eight students on bus benches while accommodating three wheelchairs as well.
Rudy Cepeda has worked as a PSS bus driver for 16 years. He said the smoke was thick during the drill. Cepeda said it worries him to think about a bus filled with children who must be evacuated, but realized it is important to train for the scenario.
“I like this kind of training because it helps us to know what’s going on when transporting students,” Cepeda said. “It’s good to know [how to be safe] so the students can evacuate.”
Bus drivers from Tinian and Rota also participated in the drill.
Victor Linan has a route that takes him to Marpo Valley and Carolina’s Heights on Tinan. He has been employed as a PSS bus driver for 33 years.
Linan said he hasn’t had a single fire on his bus, but added, “If my bus does catch fire, I’ll have knowledge of what to do, but hopefully that never happens.”
Ignacio V. Lizama Jr., who has worked for PSS since 2020, drives through Sinapalo 1 and 2 as well as through Songsong on Rota.
He said he learned how to evacuate his passengers and then open the windows once they are safe.
“It’s pitch black [inside],” Lizama said, while waiting for the drill to begin. He said he was nervous but added that the training was important to him. “It’s a necessary class we need to take,” he said.