ARAGONES SUSPENDS FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES IN LAGUNA UNTIL OCTOBER 31 FOR QUAKE PREPAREDNESS

LAGUNA Gov. Sol Aragones on Monday announced the suspension of all face-to-face classes in Laguna starting October 14, Tuesday, until October 31 in all levels for both public and private schools as a readiness measure for a possible earthquake.

Aragones made the announcement on Facebook on Monday following a recommendation from Task Force Lindol composed of provincial officials from the disaster management, education, and health sectors.

“Mas mabuting handa tayo at pinaghandaan ang worst-case scenario. Sana hindi matuloy, pero paano kung matuloy? Kailangan maging handa tayo. Prayoridad natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga estudyante at mamamayan,” the Lagua governor said.

All schools in the province will shift to alternative modes of learning from October 14 to 31, 2025 as the provincial government conducts assessments on the structural integrity of schools and other public facilities.

The governor emphasized that the provincial government is preparing for a potential “worst-case scenario” and stressed the importance of ensuring the readiness of public structures to safeguard students and the general public.

While in person classes are suspended, the provincial government, in coordination with local government units, is expected to conduct thorough inspections of schools and other government establishments to identify possible hazards that earthquakes may pose to public safety.

“Magkakaroon tayo ng Executive Order para sa mga LGU na makiisa sa pagsusuri ng mga gusali, lalo na ng mga paaralan,” the governor added.

During the two-week period, the provincial government will also identify possible evacuation sites that could accommodate displaced residents in the event of a major earthquake.

Dr. Editha Atendido, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division of Laguna, assured that teachers are prepared for the shift to alternative learning delivery.

Atendido said learning modules will be distributed to students and called on parents to guide their children while studying at home.

“Ang ating mga guro ay naghahanda ng mga module para pag-aralan ng mga bata sa kanilang tahanan. Hinihiling po namin sa mga magulang na tulungan ang kanilang mga anak upang, bukod sa kaligtasan, ay mapanatili pa rin ang kanilang pag-aaral,”

Laguna University President Dr. Charlemagne Laviña meanwhile expressed full compliance with the directive, assuring that learning at the province-run university will continue through online platforms for the remainder of October.

“Tayo sa LU ay may learning management system. Tuloy-tuloy lang tayo—hindi madidiskaril, hindi matitigil ang pagkatuto hanggang sa katapusan ng Oktubre,” Laviña said, adding that face-to-face classes and examinations will resume in November.

The Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that its personnel are on continuous training as part of preparedness measures for a potential major earthquake along the West Valley Fault.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang training at drills natin. Dapat seryosohin natin ito—hindi biro ang posibilidad ng malakas na lindol. Kailangan ang suporta ng bawat LGU, lalo na sa barangay level, para malaman ng ating mga kababayan kung ano ang dapat gawin at paghandaan sa kanilang mga tahanan,” said Laguna PDRRMO head Aldwin Cejo.

Aragones acknowledged that the suspension of face-to-face classes may pose inconvenience for some, but maintained that the safety and lives of residents remain her top priority.

“Ang mga araw na walang klase ay maaari pang habulin, pero ang buhay ng tao ay isa lang—hindi na maibabalik pa,” she said.

According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the West Valley Fault System traverses several barangays in San Pedro City, Biñan City, Santa Rosa City, Cabuyao City, and Calamba City, all in the province of Laguna.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Calabarzon has earlier urged local government units to review and strengthen their emergency contingency plans, conduct regular earthquake drills, and ensure seamless coordination with emergency response teams to guarantee timely disaster response. (CH/PIA-Laguna)