Bulacan strengthens disaster readiness amid earthquake concerns
In response to a series of recent earthquakes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bulacan convened an emergency meeting focused on reinforcing the province’s preparedness and disaster response systems. Key among the measures discussed were enhanced local action plans, systematic building inspections, and improved evacuation protocols across all cities and municipalities.
Mandatory building inspections and safety checks
The meeting emphasized proactive preemptive building assessments, with a specific call for City and Municipal Engineers to conduct thorough structural inspections of public and old structures. Governor Daniel R. Fernando, the PDRRMC chair, underscored the urgency: “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 recent successive earthquakes and the unpredictability of when they strike make preparedness the most effective weapon).
Officials reiterated that while there have been appeals from parents and students to shift to online learning, such decisions will be guided by national-level policies. In the interim, local engineers will prioritize assessing structural integrity to minimize risk in public facilities and utilities that serve large portions of Bulacan’s population.
Class suspension to ensure safety during tremor activity
The Schools Division of Bulacan announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public elementary and secondary schools for October 16-17. This decision accompanies the joint efforts of the PDRRMC to maintain safe learning environments and to allocate resources toward assessments and readiness measures.
During the suspension period, schools will implement Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADM), offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning options to maintain continuity in education. The shift is designed to minimize exposure in potentially unstable school facilities while the inspection teams complete their safety checks.
Strengthening community awareness and evacuation planning
The council agreed to intensify public awareness campaigns on earthquake preparedness and response. City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers will lead orientations in communities, schools, and local establishments to ensure timely information dissemination and effective disaster response.
Part of the updated response framework includes encouraging evacuation to open spaces during tremor events, a shift from the traditional “duck, cover, and hold” approach. This modernization of guidance reflects the rising intensity and frequency of recent seismic activity and aims to reduce injuries during emergencies.
Coordinated efforts at the provincial level
Governor Fernando directed the PDRRMO to strengthen advisory systems and community coordination, ensuring that early warnings and safety recommendations reach all residents. The province will also carry out school and establishment orientations to refresh response procedures and reinforce local readiness.
With these measures, Bulacan aims to build resilience across its municipalities, arming communities with clear actions and reliable information when seismic events occur. The emergency planning emphasizes collaboration among local government units, school divisions, and civil society to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
What this means for residents
Residents should expect ongoing updates from local authorities as inspection results are compiled and new safety protocols are confirmed. Practicing earthquake readiness—such as knowing safe evacuation routes and designated open spaces—will complement the technical inspections and risk assessments already underway.
Bottom line
By combining rigorous building inspections, adaptive learning arrangements, and proactive public education, Bulacan is advancing a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness. The Oct. 16-17 class suspension serves as a precautionary measure to protect students and educators while safety assessments proceed.
