Ilocos Norte: The Bagbago-Puttao Elementary School in this town is all set to welcome its more than 100 learners on June 16 with clean classrooms and playground, and re-energized teachers.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Monday, volunteers from the public and private sectors displayed 'bayanihan' (cooperation) to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for learners during the kickoff of "Brigada Eskwela." Workbooks, health kits, and snacks were distributed to learners. There was also a story reading led by Ilocos Norte Schools Division Superintendent Donato Balderas and planting of duhat (black plum) seedlings courtesy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

School principal Reymart Jay Ballesteros expressed gratitude for the strengthened partnership with various stakeholders, stating that all preparations are in place for the school opening. Ballesteros mentioned that minimal preparations, like repainting of classrooms, were needed for the school to be ready for the opening of classes.

In a June 3 advisory signed by Balderas, all schools in Ilocos Norte were asked to identify possible geohazards that may affect the school community and plan ahead for appropriate measures to reduce potential risks. For Bagbago-Puttao Elementary School, Ballesteros indicated that the school community was asked to prepare for a possible earthquake of up to Intensity 8, as the school is located some 4.8 kilometers from the West Ilocos Fault System.

To prepare for any eventuality, almost 200 participants joined a recent earthquake drill at the school to enhance awareness and readiness among students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. The activity was spearheaded by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection.