In response to the earthquake that recently hit Cebu and Davao Oriental, the Department of Education (DepEd) strengthened its coordination with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to ensure decisions on the suspension of classes are based on scientific data, localized risk assessments, and safety standards.
The coordination aims to maintain the balance between ensuring the safety of learners and personnel and the learning continuity goal of the department in times of disaster and emergency.
“Sa usapin ng kalamidad, bukod sa maagap, dapat eksakto rin ang kilos.”
“Sa usapin ng kalamidad, bukod sa maagap, dapat eksakto rin ang kilos. Kaya mahalaga ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa PHIVOLCS para ang bawat desisyon, mula sa pagsuspinde ng klase hanggang sa pagpapatuloy ng pag-aaral, ay nakabatay sa siyensya, hindi sa pangamba,” education secretary Sonny Angara.
To strengthen disaster preparedness, DepEd and PHIVOLCS led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., discussed the need to ensure that schools located near the fault line arer “over-engineered” or above the structural standard to withstand strong earthquakes.
“Nang makita ko mismo ang pinsala ng lindol sa Cebu at Davao Oriental, mas napatunayan nating mahalaga ang tamang datos at koordinasyon.”
“Nang makita ko mismo ang pinsala ng lindol sa Cebu at Davao Oriental, mas napatunayan nating mahalaga ang tamang datos at koordinasyon. Sa tulong ng PHIVOLCS, masisiguro nating ang bawat hakbang ng DepEd ay mabilis, ligtas, at may batayang siyentipiko,” Angara added.
The partnership also aims to strengthen the capacity of regional and field offices in assessing the stability of structures and the correct response in case of earthquakes.
DepEd proposed the establishment of a DepEd Command Center with PHIVOLCS to serve as a monitoring hub for disaster response and early warning.
Personnel from DepEd will be trained in using checklist-based procedures that will automatically send alerts once dangerous situations are identified.
DepEd and PHIVOLCS also agreed to strengthen coordination in releasing scientific advisory and information materials to maintain public trust and prevent the dissemination of fake news.
Angara stressed preparedness must also have learning continuity measures.
Under DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024 or the Revised Guidelines on Class and Work Suspension in Schools During Disasters and Emergencies, Local Chief Executive (LCE), Schools Division Superintendent (SDS), and principals have the power to suspend classes.
DepEd stressed that it should be based on advisories issued by PHIVOLCS, the actual situation on the ground and the preparedness of the school to conduct classes.
DepEd added the preventive suspension should be taken as a cue to implement learning continuity plans like modular, online, or take-home learning while the safety inspection is being conducted.
