Urgent Preparations Amid Increasing Earthquake Activity
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bulacan convened an emergency session to reinforce the province’s preparedness and disaster response framework in light of recent earthquakes. A key outcome was the emphasis on proactive structural checks and coordinated evacuation procedures across cities and municipalities.
Building Inspections Target Vulnerable Structures
Government officials underscored the need for preemptive inspections, particularly of old and public structures. City and Municipal Engineers have been tasked with conducting thorough structural inspections to verify stability and safety. Governor Daniel R. Fernando, who chairs the PDRRMC, stressed that ensuring building integrity is critical to protecting residents as seismic activity remains a pressing concern.
As the governor put it, “The recent successive earthquakes and the unpredictability as to when they will occur make preparedness the most effective weapon against it.” The urgency is clear: local leaders must act decisively to identify and address vulnerabilities before disasters strike.
School Operations: Oct. 16-17 Suspension and Continuity Plans
The Schools Division of Bulacan announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public elementary and secondary schools from October 16 to 17. During this period, schools will implement Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADM), offering either synchronous or asynchronous learning to maintain educational continuity.
Officials noted that the decision to shift learning modalities to online or independent formats remains a national prerogative. Nevertheless, the local division is coordinating with education authorities to minimize disruption while prioritizing student safety.
Strengthening Public Communication and Community Readiness
In addition to infrastructure checks and school-based adaptations, the PDRRMC agreed to fortify advisory networks and community coordination. Strengthened information dissemination will help residents receive timely alerts and instructions during emergencies. The council also plans intensified public awareness campaigns on earthquake preparedness and response measures, led by City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers.
Governor Fernando highlighted the broader strategy: “Sunud-sunod ang mga nagaganap na lindol, at dahil hindi ito tulad ng bagyo na kayang ma-detect nang maaga, ang pinakamabisang sandata laban dito ay ang ating kahandaan.” The push for practical, actionable preparedness is designed to translate planning into real-world safety gains for Bulakenyos.
What This Means forResidents and Institutions
For residents, the focus is on safer homes and public facilities, including enforcing timely structural inspections and ensuring evacuation routes and open spaces are readily usable. For schools and workplaces, the move to ADM during Oct. 16-17 allows communities to continue learning while avoiding exposure during seismic events.
Officials have also called for ongoing orientations in schools and establishments to refresh and update evacuation procedures, prioritizing open spaces over traditional duck-and-cover methods as tremor intensity and frequency rise.
Upcoming Measures
Looking ahead, Bulacan plans to extend building safety checks, improve information channels for emergency warnings, and refine evacuation procedures. The joint effort reflects a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction that combines structural oversight, education continuity, and community engagement.
