The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it will probe the unannounced earthquake and fire drill incident that led to the hospitalization of more than 100 high school students in Gulod National High School-Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao City, Laguna.
"Our primary concern right now would be the condition of the learners affected. But at the same time, we are already making inquiries on the matter so that we can improve the conduct of the drills moving forward," DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said in a statement.
He said they would get more details on the fire drill, adding that improvements should be made in order to prevent similar incidents to happen.
On Thursday, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported that 104 high school students were sent to the nearby hospitals after they passed out due to heat exhaustion following the conduct of a surprise fire and earthquake drill.
In a separate statement, DepEd Tayo Cabuyao City said that data consolidated by teachers showed that there were 83 learners rushed to the hospital.
Of these, two are still at the Cabuyao City Hospital while the rest were already discharged and in condition.
"One was referred to be confined at Global Medical Center at Banlic, City of Cabuyao while another, suffering from hypothyroidism, was admitted at Calamba Docts," DepEd Tayo Cabuyao City said.
According to DepEd Tayo Cabuyao City, the drill is the second unannounced drill conducted by the aftermentioned schools in accordance with DepEd Order No. 53 or the Mandatory Unannounced Earthquake and Fire Drills in schools.
