Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced that there were no reported injuries or major damage following a 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck La Union on Saturday morning. The tremor occurred at around 10:40 a.m. and was felt in various nearby areas, including Laoag City, which is currently hosting the 65th Palarong Pambansa.
Angara confirmed, “We are okay, no major damage or injuries reported,” emphasizing the safety of delegates and attendees as the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa is set to take place later today.
In response to the quake, the Department of Education (DepEd) has activated its Incident Command Post (ICP), mobilizing the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Regional Safety Officers to assess the safety of both the venues for the sports events and the accommodations for delegates. Notably, the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, which will host the opening rites and a variety of sporting events, is among the locations set for inspection.
DepEd reassured the public, stating, “As of now, there have been no injuries or major structural damages recorded. All delegates are safe, and there is no cause for alarm or panic.” They also highlighted the existence of earthquake response protocols via the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT), which aims to maintain safety during the sporting event.
The Palarong Pambansa is scheduled to commence on May 24, with competitive sports events running from May 26 to 30. This event represents an important aspect of fostering athletic talent among the youth and brings together participants from various regions, signaling resilience and unity through sports despite the natural disturbances.
This commitment to safety and preparedness bodes well for the future of the Palarong Pambansa and instills confidence in organizers and participants alike as they navigate this challenge.