PHIVOLCS marks path of West Valley Fault under Muntinlupa school

Research specialists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) conducted an on-site survey of the Pedro E. Diaz High School (PEDHS) in Muntinlupa City to inform school officials on the exact location of the fault line under the school compound.

On Wednesday morning, PHIVOLCS representatives and school officials painted red markers on various PEDHS buildings that were found to be on top of portions of the West Valley Fault.

Using the West Valley Fault Atlas as reference, the structures that were found to be built directly above the fault line were the school's Administration Building, Values Education Building, and two Technical-Vocational Education Buildings.

The southern edge of the school's Biazon Building beside the Administration office is located three meters from the fault line. It is recommended that a five-meter buffer or safe zone from the actual fault be clear of any man-made structure.

"Kung susundin natin ang naka-set na standard, it might affect the particular building. Kaya instead na four, magiging five ang buildings na hindi io-occupy," DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Mauro De Gulan told GMA News.

De Gulan said the city's school officials would comply with the City Engineering Office of Muntinlupa should it recommend to have the buildings demolished. PEDHS has already requested for an inspection of the structural integrity of its school buildings.

PEDHS Principal Estrella Aseron said the school would wait for the announcement by from Education Secretary Armin Luistro if the school would be able to open next week.

Aseron, however, assured that the overall operations of the school would not be affected.

Classes that are supposed to be held in the affected buildings will be held in a nearby DepEd Alternative Learning System Center. -NB, GMA News