Laguna to shift classes online on Oct. 14-31 due to earthquake risk

MANILA, Philippines, October 14 ------ Face-to-face classes at all levels in both private and public schools in Laguna are suspended from October 14 to 31 and will shift to online learning, as a precaution in case of an earthquake along the West Valley Fault, Laguna Governor Sol Aragones said.

With this, schools were ordered to shift to Alternative Delivery Mode during this period, via either online classes or modular mode of instruction. A series of earthquakes nationwide prompted the governor to gather local officials from the health, education, and disaster risk sectors in discussing the threat of an earthquake to Laguna.

Upon verification, Aragones announced that the following areas in Laguna were found to be along the aforementioned Faultline and risk being severely affected should the disaster occur:

- San Pedro (Calendola, GSIS, Sampaguita Village, San Antonio, San Vicente, United Bayanihan)

- Sta. Rosa (Santo Domingo)

- Cabuyao (Casile)

- Calamba (Canlubang)

- Biñan (Poblacion, Malamig, San Francisco)

The governor said that while communities in these areas must especially be alert due to its place along the West Valley Fault, surrounding areas may still experience slight shaking during the possible earthquake. This is in preparation for the worst-case scenario, but we are hoping that it doesn’t happen at all,” Aragones stated in her video posted on social media. Aragones will also issue an executive order mandating local government units in Laguna to inspect buildings and facilities, especially in schools, to prepare evacuation centers, and to put hospitals on high alert should the earthquake occur.

Source: inquirer.net