A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the municipality of Pugo, La Union, on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025, shaking Baguio City, Benguet, and nearby provinces in Northern Luzon. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the tectonic quake occurred around 10:30 a.m. and was felt at Intensity IV in parts of Baguio City and Intensity III in Pangasinan. No major structural damage was immediately reported.
Videos shared online showed students and residents rushing out of buildings as alarms went off. One student was brought to the hospital after reportedly panicking during evacuation, though no serious injuries or fatalities were confirmed. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered the suspension of in-person classes from kindergarten to senior high school in schools near potentially unsafe structures and hazard-prone areas.
In response, local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) in Baguio and La Union launched rapid inspections of public buildings to check for cracks or structural weaknesses. Coordination with PHIVOLCS has also been intensified to monitor aftershocks and provide technical guidance on building retrofitting and safety measures. PHIVOLCS said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat since the epicenter was located inland, but it urged residents to stay vigilant for possible aftershocks.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Cordillera region directed all schools to review their earthquake response protocols and ensure that infrastructure complies with national seismic design standards. “We cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can reduce their impact if every school is prepared,” a DepEd regional official said in a statement. The agency also reminded teachers and students to participate actively in regular earthquake drills.
Experts emphasized that while Thursday’s quake caused only minimal disturbance, it served as a strong reminder of Northern Luzon’s vulnerability to seismic hazards. Authorities underscored the importance of public awareness, strict enforcement of building codes, and community-based preparedness. Emergency response teams remain on standby as PHIVOLCS continues to monitor the area. Residents are urged to remain calm, avoid panic, and follow the “duck, cover, and hold” safety protocol during tremors.
