On Thursday morning, students of Little Baguio Elementary School in Malita, Davao Occidental, were prompted to evacuate after feeling the magnitude 5 earthquake. Schools became a place of safety for the students, and they were led out of the buildings to a secure area within the school premises.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located 56 kilometers southwest of Glan, Sarangani Province, and it occurred at 11:24 in the morning. As a result, instrumental intensity 3 was felt in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Kiamba, Glan, and Maasim, Sarangani; T’boli, South Cotabato; and General Santos City.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), this was an aftershock of the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that occurred last Friday. The preparedness of schools, such as Little Baguio Elementary School, proved crucial in ensuring the safety of the students during events like this.
The earthquake instilled fear and anxiety among students and teachers, but due to the proper implementation of emergency protocols, the evacuation proceeded smoothly to designated safe areas. This experience underscores the importance of regular drills and assessments in schools regarding earthquakes and other calamities.
Currently, authorities are closely monitoring aftershocks and other potential hazards that could pose risks to the safety of the residents. Emphasis is placed on the need for everyone to be prepared and equipped with sufficient knowledge, especially in schools where the safety of students is a priority.
In this incident, the school becomes an integral part of the student’s lives not only in the realm of education but also in teaching the significance of preparedness and appropriate action during times of need. It serves as a reminder that safety should always be at the forefront of priorities, particularly in communities that may be significantly affected by natural disasters.