BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — October 9, 2025. Classes from pre-school to senior high school were suspended in Baguio City on Thursday morning following a Magnitude 4.4 earthquake that shook several areas across the Cordillera Region, according to local authorities.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake’s epicenter was located in Pugo, La Union.
While the tremor’s magnitude was moderate, Intensity V was felt in Baguio City, prompting officials to suspend classes as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.
Following the quake, patients and staff at the Cancer Center of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) were evacuated as part of standard safety protocols. In one of the city’s hotels, guests and participants of a conference were also forced to vacate the premises after the building visibly swayed during the tremor.
Several students at Baguio City National High School reportedly fainted due to fear and panic triggered by the shaking.
The City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO), led by Architect Johnny Degay, has begun coordinating with school officials, mall administrators, and building owners to conduct immediate structural assessments and ensure the integrity of public and private establishments.
The local government has likewise initiated inspections of major infrastructure to identify any potential damage caused by the earthquake.
Albert Mogol, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense–Cordillera (OCD-CAR), reminded residents to remain vigilant and to always follow the proper safety procedures during earthquakes — particularly the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” method. He also urged the public to adhere strictly to safety protocols to avoid injuries in the event of aftershocks.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation while assessment teams conduct inspections in various parts of the city to ensure the safety of residents and buildings.