A heritage structure in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur is damaged by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Luzon on Wednesday morning (July 27). PHOTO COURTESY OF ARLENE GAJETON
MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to suspend all in-school activities in areas affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake.
The magnitude 7.0 quake hit northeast of Langilang, Abra, at 8:43 a.m. on Wednesday and left four people dead, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government.
“DepEd should suspend physical enrollment and face-to-face remedial [or] enrichment classes, and inspect all school buildings to check their safety before resuming in-school activities,” said Act chairperson Vladimer Quetua in a statement.
Quetua said schools now need the quick response of DepEd, the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units for the needed repairs and alternative plans for school opening and in-person classes.
“We hope that the Deped can immediately act on this before any accidents happen,” ended Quetua.
The in-person enrollment for the school year 2022-2023 began on July 25 and would end on August 22. The schools will resume full in-person classes by November.