BACOLOD City – The city government has requested assistance from the Department of Education (DepEd) for the repair and rehabilitation of classrooms in several public schools that sustained damage during Typhoon “Tino.”
In a letter dated November 11, 2025, addressed to DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city is currently under a state of calamity, following a declaration by the Office of the President on November 6 and subsequently adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).
The declaration was made after Typhoon “Tino” caused significant devastation in multiple areas of the city.
“While the city government continues its extensive clearing, relief, and rehabilitation efforts, we are also conducting a thorough Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) on various government offices and structures, including our public schools,” Gasataya stated in his letter.
Initial RDANA results revealed that 134 classrooms sustained major damage, while 189 classrooms incurred minor damage.
Based on verification with the DepEd–Division of Bacolod City, classrooms categorized as majorly damaged are no longer safe or conducive for holding classes, posing a serious risk to students and teachers.
Given this, Gasataya appealed to the national government for assistance and immediate intervention in the rehabilitation of the affected schools.
Although face-to-face classes resumed on November 12, several schools — including Bacolod City National High School, Emiliano Lizares National High School, and A.L. Jayme Elementary School—have temporarily shifted to alternative learning modalities due to classroom damage.
The DepEd Division Office has prohibited these schools from conducting in-person classes until repairs are completed to ensure the safety of learners and staff./PN
