Fernando launched a province-wide directive to institutionalize earthquake drills and secure critical infrastructure

Governor Daniel R. Fernando called for an immediate province-wide intensification of disaster preparedness measures, focusing on the structural integrity of educational institutions, establishing dedicated evacuation centers on open sites and institutionalizing earthquake drills.

The Governor’s directives were issued during the full meeting of the Joint Council of PDRRMC and C/MDRRMO yesterday, underscoring the necessity of a rapid and decisive focus towards maximum resilience.

This follows updates from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and structural reports submitted by the Department of Education (DepEd) Bulacan.

In her presentation, Mylene C. Enriquez, a scientific research specialist at PHIVOLCS-DOST, highlighted the Philippines' status as one of the most seismically active regions in the world, providing “trend on recent seismic events and potential impacts of the West Valley Fault.”

The West Valley Fault, which runs through neighboring provinces, has not moved in nearly 400 years, raising the possibility of significant movement, which increases the risk of significant movement that could lead to a “major accident,” Enriquez said, through which she introduced PHIVOLCS tools such as GeoRiskPH, HazardHunterPH, and How Safe is My House, to help citizens and local governments assess building safety and risks in their areas, with more information available at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.

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She reminded participants that “earthquakes and other disasters are natural, but we can prevent tragedy through preparedness and appropriate response.”

This cautionary note is immediately placed in the context of a report by Peter C. Lacap, DepEd Bulacan DRRM Coordinating Officer, that as of October 23, 2025, 287 of 412 elementary schools and 75 of 100 high schools had submitted building inspection reports conducted by municipal/city engineers where the results confirmed that 104 elementary schools and 36 high schools were classified as unsafe, including a total 416 classrooms requiring major repairs or further engineering verification.

DepEd Bulacan is now coordinating with LGUs for rapid verification and structural reinforcement, prioritizing the development of robust learning continuity plans and updated earthquake emergency measures to mitigate risks to students and staff.

Expressing gratitude that Bulacan was spared the recent weather events, Fernando stressed that this reprieve should be used to accelerate pre-disaster operational preparedness and establish clear and binding mandates for all LGUs, including 1) establishing designated open evacuation sites: LGUs must immediately identify, mark and publicize designated open evacuation areas and designate a key contact person at each site to manage the earthquake response; 2) Rapid Procurement and Distribution of Emergency Essentials: The PGB will oversee the rapid distribution of flashlights, rope whistles, water bottles, and vital emergency supplies; and 3) Institutionalization of drills and safety protocols: An official memorandum will be issued requiring the inclusion of earthquake drills in the daily morning activities of schools.

He said: “I am not against the principle of 'crendle, take cover, and hold steady' because it is effective in weak earthquakes.” “But now that the tremors are strong, it is better to go out to open sites to be safer. We have to prepare for that, especially open areas in schools and homes.”

The regional government's action plan focuses on preventive intervention to secure Bulacan's future against predictable seismic threats, ensuring that preparedness is a continuous and operational state, not just a reaction.

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