Some portions of the Vigan Cathedral in Ilocos Sur province were damaged from the 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning. (Photos courtesy of Maricor Caniedo)
MANILA, Philippines — Cracks were seen in several schools in Abra after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted the province on Wednesday morning, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.
DepEd spokesman Michal Poa said their regional offices are still monitoring the situation in areas affected by the strong earthquake.
“We are monitoring the situation on the part of DepEd. Mayroon tayong initial reports ng cracks ng schools sa Abra, and probably also in Vigan, but I cannot give you a statement unless may confirmation na from our field offices and regional offices,” Poa said in a press briefing.
(We have initial reports of cracks in some schools in Abra and probably also in Vigan, but I cannot give you a statement unless there is confirmation from our field offices and regional offices.)
However, Poa said there are no reported casualties yet from students, teaching personnel, or DepEd staff.
The DepEd will give an update if Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte will visit the schools affected by the earthquake.
For its part, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is currently offering medical and burial services to those affected by the earthquake through its satellite offices.
“Ie-explore nating mabuti kung ano ‘yung mga pwedeng dalhin sa kanila lalo na doon sa mga communities na naapektuhan ng lindol,” he said in the same press briefing.
(We will explore what help we can give, especially to communities affected by the earthquake.)
A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit northeast of Langilang, Abra, at 8:43 a.m. on Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.
Several structures and bridges reportedly collapsed in the town of Lagangilang in Abra.