THE DEPARTMENT of Education ordered public schools to hold unannounced earthquake and fire drills every first and third week of every month.

“These drills are to ensure that all learners are properly guided on what should be done during and after an earthquake or occurrences of fire in schools,” the department said.

School heads and school disaster and risk reduction management coordinators will monitor the said drills.

Meanwhile, schools in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal were asked to create a separate and specific disaster plan for a magnitude 7 or higher earthquake.

“The plan shall specifically lay down the response should there be a scenario involving mass casualties of learners and personnel,” it added.

Private schools, community learning centers and other colleges may adopt the said guidelines.