ECALTI Safely Evacuates During the Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake

The Epiphany Christian Academy of La Trinidad, Inc. (ECALTI) successfully carried out its emergency earthquake evacuation procedures following a magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck Tuba, Benguet at 2:33 PM on July 9, 2026.

The earthquake occurred during the dismissal of the Primary Department (Grades 1 to 3), when many parents and guardians were already on campus to pick up their children. As soon as the tremor was felt, the school’s earthquake alarm was activated, signaling the implementation of the school’s emergency evacuation procedures.

Teachers immediately guided their pupils to the designated evacuation area while maintaining order and ensuring the safety of every learner. Parents, guardians, barangay kagawads, and nearby pedestrians also extended assistance in helping the pupils proceed safely to the assembly area.

Upon arrival at the designated evacuation site, class advisers conducted headcounts to account for all pupils under their supervision. The School Search and Rescue Team simultaneously carried out search-and-clear operations throughout the school campus to ensure that no pupils or personnel remained inside the buildings.

Following the completion of the search-and-clear operations, the response team confirmed that all pupils and school personnel were safely evacuated and that no one was left behind. Initial inspections also indicated that there were no major structural damages to the school buildings.

After all classes had been accounted for, pupils were released to their respective parents or guardians in an orderly manner. The emergency response concluded at 3:20 PM, with the majority of the pupils safely sent home. School personnel remained on campus for a post-incident briefing before officially leaving the school premises at 4:30 PM.

The incident demonstrated the importance of preparedness, teamwork, and the cooperation of the entire school community in ensuring the safety and well-being of learners during emergency situations. Through the coordinated efforts of teachers, school personnel, parents, barangay officials, and community members, the school successfully responded to the earthquake while prioritizing the safety of every child.