Advisory: Safety and Contingency Guidelines for July 2025 Graduation

1. Scheduled Power Interruption (NGCP Advisory): As per the advisory of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), please be informed of the scheduled power interruptions that will affect the VSU Main Campus:

• July 23, 2025 (Wednesday) – 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• July 24, 2025 (Thursday) – 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Power Supply Mitigation Plan:

• July 23, 2025:
  • The General Services Office (GENSO) will operate backup generators to supply power to the Administration Building and Gymnasium.
  • Generator operation will cover the whole morning and afternoon, with a brief pause at noon.
  • In the afternoon, prior to the Ecumenical Service, the generator in the Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) will be operated using a load shedding arrangement to extend limited power to critical areas.

2. Weather Outlook and Flood Risk Advisory: Two low-pressure areas (LPAs) are currently within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), with a medium likelihood of developing into tropical depressions. These are expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), resulting in increased rainfall across the Visayas:

• July 23: Scattered showers (~10 mm)
• July 24: Light showers (~2.3 mm)
• July 25: Mostly cloudy (~0 mm)

Flood-Prone Areas to Watch:

• IHK to Ilang-ilang road: Risk of knee-deep flooding
• Road from Eco Park to the Administration Building: Risk of fast-moving surface runoff

Contingency Plan for Vehicular and Guest Traffic:

In case of significant flooding, traffic rerouting and designated pick-up points will be activated to minimize disruption and ensure guest safety:

• Alternative Parking Areas (with tents for pick-up and drop-off):
  • MMDC & DCST vicinity
  • Frog Fountain Area
  • Lower Oval (left lane only)
• Transport Support: University buses will ferry guests and participants from designated pick-up points to VSU Gymnasium.

3. Emergency and Incident Preparedness Measures: The VSU Incident Command Team will be activated, with the Incident Command Post stationed at the IHK Conference Room.

In case of emergencies, please contact 0943-043-0874, (053) 565-0600 loc. 1047, and (053) 565-0606 / 565-0607

Deployed Response Units and Personnel:

• Fire Truck and BFP Personnel
• Personnel from the City Traffic Management and Terminal Office (CTMTO)& Kabalikat Civicom (for traffic control)
• PNP Security Personnel
• Personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit
• VSU Hospital Personnel
• Fire extinguishers will also be stationed near the LED screen and the audio-visual control room.

4. Audience Safety and Environmental Reminders

Before the start of any formal program, please direct your attention to the screen for a brief safety orientation.

• In the event of a fire or earthquake, follow the exit paths as shown in the image below and proceed to the designated evacuation area at the Upper Oval Grounds.
  
  

• Guests seated in the Main Hall will exit through the right-side gate of the gymnasium (facing the mountain side), and proceed directly to the Upper Oval Grounds.
• For guests seated at the bleachers, use the nearest stairs to safely descend, then immediately proceed to the Upper Oval Grounds using the most direct route.
• During an earthquake, duck, cover, and hold on. Wait for shaking to stop before calmly proceeding to the evacuation site.
• Medical support will be available to the right of the venue hall.
• For safety or emergency concerns, please approach any assigned marshal or security personnel.

5. Traffic Flow Instructions

Before 9AM (for morning program) and Before 2PM (for afternoon program)

• Right Side fronting the Main Gate: Entrance for the graduates and companions
• Left Gate fronting the Main Gate: Entrance for faculty, staff, students, and guests
  
• Exit will be at the Mabolo Drive (right across the DCST Building)

After 9AM (for morning program) and After 2PM (for afternoon program)

• The exit is at the Main Gate, instead of the Mabolo Drive, following the usual daily traffic flow. 

6. Cleanliness and Waste Disposal Reminder

Let us also work together in maintaining a clean and safe VSU by practicing proper waste disposal. Trash bins with proper labels are provided at the exit point near the male CR. In open spaces, kindly keep your trash until you find a bin or take it with you until proper disposal is possible.

We respectfully seek everyone’s cooperation in managing these challenges with calm and care. Let us demonstrate our commitment to safety, preparedness, and discipline throughout these activities.

This advisory is based on the OP Memorandum Order No. 200, s. 2025 on Contingency Measures for Power Outage, Weather-Related Risks, and Emergency Preparedness During VSU’s Commencement Exercises (July  23–25, 2025).