Philippines Advocates Unified Alert Protocol for Schools and LGUs Amid Earthquakes
A unified alert protocol is being advocated for Philippine schools and local government units (LGUs) following recent earthquakes. This protocol aims to empower authorities and the public to act decisively and responsibly during calamities.
The responsibility to choose between caution and continuity in such events typically lies with authorities and decision-makers. This includes LGU chief executives and school heads or higher education administrators. Their power to suspend classes is rooted in police power and the state's authority to protect life, safety, and public welfare.
Competing advisories and unofficial announcements can cause confusion during emergencies. To address this, national agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched), working with LGUs, should institutionalize a synchronized alert protocol for timely and consistent communication.
School heads, including those in private institutions, are authorized to suspend classes when there is imminent danger to students or personnel. LGUs, including governors, mayors, and barangay chairpersons, are empowered to take necessary measures to safeguard constituents.
Alerts should be issued within a defined time frame following a Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) bulletin, applying default conservative rules for swift, transparent decisions. This will help ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
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