In response to a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Poro town on Camotes Island, officials in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cordova have suspended in-person classes as a precautionary measure. The quake, occurring at 2:53 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, was felt across Cebu and nearby provinces like Leyte and Bohol.
Local authorities prioritize safety by implementing structural inspections of educational institutions before allowing the resumption of face-to-face classes. This precaution encompasses all public and private schools, including colleges such as Cebu Normal University and Asian College of Technology. The Department of Education in Cebu City has advised schools to adopt modular learning during this inspection process.
Nagiel Bañacia, the head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Lapu-Lapu City, has actively encouraged residents to report any damage through their rapid damage assessment and needs analysis program. This is particularly important for communities on Olango Island and nearby island barangays.
Despite the quake’s wide reach, no casualties or significant damages have been reported as of Sunday night, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which detailed the quake’s depth at 10 kilometers. As authorities continue monitoring potential aftershocks, the community is reminded to stay alert and informed.
This event underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response practices in educational settings, ensuring student safety remains a top priority. Such proactive measures highlight ongoing efforts to maintain resilience in the face of natural disasters.
