DepEd: Inquiry launched after 100 fall ill in Cabuyao fire drill

The Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday that an inquiry is now being conducted into the surprise fire drill done in a school in Cabuyao City, Laguna that resulted in more than 100 students being hospitalized due to dehydration and hunger.

"We want to get the details of what transpired po kasi and make improvements para maiwasan yung (so we can avoid) incidents similar to what transpired yesterday sa Cabuyao," said DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa.

According to the City School Division of Cabuyao City (SDO), two students remain confined at the Cabuyao City Hospital. The SDO added that 79 students were already discharged as of Friday and are now in stable condition.

"Our primary concern right now would be the condition of the learners affected," added Poa.

Classes were also suspended on Friday to ensure all learners had enough time to rest and recover.

DepEd is also coordinating with the local government to provide financial assistance to those who fell ill during the fire drill.

Gulod National High School - Mamatid Extension conducted the fire drill on Thursday. Around 3,000 students were already gathered around noon and they were told to proceed to an open evacuation area at around 2:30 pm.

The heat index in the city was around 39 to 42 degrees Celsius from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m according to a disaster official.

Cabuyao Mayor Dennis Hain has ordered a temporary suspension of fire drills for both public and private schools —Vince G. Lopez/ GMA Integrated News