THE ALLIANCE of Concerned Teachers called on the Department of Education to postpone all in-school activities in areas hit by the powerful earthquake on Wednesday.

“Deped should suspend physical enrolment and face-to-face remedial/enrichment classes, and inspect all school buildings to check their safety before resuming in-school activities,” Vladimer Quetua, the group’s chairperson, said.

“Schools now need the quick response of DepEd, the Department of Public Works and Highways and local governement units for the needed repairs and alternative plans as to how to prepare for school opening and face to face classes,” he added.

“We have received reports that Marikina and Makati already ordered the dismissal of all those in school for enrolment and enrichment classes. While Parañaque also already sent city hall employees home, they also postponed the giving of allowances to students,” Quetua said.

Education Secretary Sara Duterte activated the agency’s disaster risk reduction and management teams to monitor and help those hit by the temblor, as well as providing psychological first aid to affected teachers and students.

“The Department of Education is one with the nation in praying for the safety and welfare of the Filipino people amidst the magnitude 7 earthquake in Abra,” the DepEd said in a statement.