The Department of Education (DepEd) urged public schools to conduct unannounced fire and earthquake drills every first and third week of the month.
In the DepEd Order No. 053, s. 2022, the department sees a preparedness plan as the key in preventing disasters and saving lives.
"Local drills and simulation exercises are preventive measures that familiarize escape routes and reinforce proper actions in the occurrence of a calamity," it read.
The planning, implementation, and regular monitoring of these drills in respective schools must be spearheaded by School Heads, with the assistance of School Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Coordinators.
DepEd also urged all schools in National Capital Region, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan to create a separate and specific disaster plan for a magnitude 7 or higher earthquake.
Private schools, community learning centers, as well as state/local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) are encouraged to adopt the provision.
