#XUFD: Degree of Risk is Minimal

Photo By: Crusaders

Xavier University Festival Days (XUFD) or also known as Xavier Days is undeniably one of the most sought festival not just in the university but also in the city of Cagayan De Oro. It is a four days grand celebration every December to honor the feast of St. Francis Xavier, the university patron saint. It is always an epic celebration packed with a nuf fun activities prepared by the students, the colleges and the administrations for all its guest –not only for the alumni and those who are connected to the XU Community but as well as for those purely outsiders.

In addition, each celebration embraces a specific theme and the theme for this year is “Xavier: Our Common Home” which delineates what Xavier University has become for all its students, faculties and administrators. This festival has also brought its entire guest to a journey of nostalgia and fond memories but then again, just like a home, did all guest felt safe and secured during and after the occasion?

Fortunately, it’s a big YES because 2 days after the event I personally interviewed Col Danilo Sotto, Chief Security Officer of Xavier University wherein he emphasized that there were no casualties and not even a single serious accident have been reported during the entire 4-days XUFD celebration. He claimed that overall, it was a very peaceful occasion!

However, below are the two main situations we have observed that makes the people involved at RISK to an impending disaster...

1. A CAREFREE WORKER

This was taken at the covered court during the 1st day of XU Days and as you can see in the photo, there’s a man wearing a blue shirt conveniently leaning/sitting at the edge of a pipe (I don’t exactly know how to call that) without a proper gear and without considering how high he was from the ground. Even though he might be doing it for so many times as part of his job, still, it doesn’t mean he’s not prone to DISASTER! What if, he might accidentally slipped and fall? That’s why we recommend that next time; he must take an extra care! Resting is okay but it must be in a proper place, kuya!

2. Crazy Crowd During the Last Night of #XUFD

CRAZY CROWD AT THE SOCCER FIELD DURING THE DANCE PARTY! Photo grabbed from XUFD FB Page

HAZARD: Snatching and Stampede, (Respiratory Disorder during the rave) 
EXPOSURE: At the main entrance of the University and at the soccer field during the Dance Party 
Vulnerability: 
a. As for Snatching – of course, it’s almost impossible to retrieve your belongings and most of the time, those wearing fancy things are prone to this simply because it easily catches the eyes of the pickpocketers or snatchers 
b. As for stampede – at worst, it can cause injuries and even death so anyone with lack of hazard awareness and caution are prone to this!

AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY

Recommendation:

The sudden influx of people into the main entrance of the university as well as in the soccer field for the dance party was basically a huge problem that must be addressed properly. According to Col Danilo Sotto, Chief Security Officer, they were already aware of it that’s why they strengthen their security to control the crowd. Also, no report of pick pocketing was recorded except that there were 2 people who lost their wallets but luckily, the two wallets were found and were given to the rightful owner without anything lost inside it!

As for pick-pocketing and snatching, we recommended that just like going to any other crowded places, they must always be cautious of their belongings, never entrust it to anyone and maintain social awareness in every situation!

As for stampede, I guess it must go hand in hand, not just for a single individual but for everyone. Let’s not panic and worsen the situation by pushing someone. At the main entrance, let’s observed utmost discipline – fall in line properly and even don’t hesitate to ask if there are other entrances! We observed that most people during the XU Days especially at night used only the main entrance where in fact, the new gate at the SEC Mall was also wide open and passable!

While at the soccer field, it’s not only prone to stampede but also respiratory disorders due to very alarming level of dust! So in case you have previous respiratory problems, it’s advisable to stay away from those specific areas.

Lastly, we must always remember, we cannot totally eradicate an accident or risk but at least with careful attitude, proper preparation and precaution, we can prevent injuries and the loss of lives! So, cheers for another safer Xavier Days next year everyone!

#CETE40 #XavierDays2015 #XavierOurCommonHome #XUFD