ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) has begun ordering the demolition and relocation of quake-damaged classrooms in Iloilo Province after structural assessments confirmed that several school buildings pose serious safety risks following recent major earthquakes that rocked parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
DepEd-Iloilo spokesperson Leonil Salvilla said 11 schools across the province have classrooms declared unsafe for occupancy, while hundreds more require further validation for possible rehabilitation.
The schools affected are Danao Elementary School (Pototan), Malbog Elementary School, Paon Elementary School, and Bayas Elementary School (all in Estancia); Nagpana Elementary School (Barotac Viejo); Libertad Integrated School (Banate); Talokgangan Elementary School (Banate); Nanga Integrated School (Guimbal); Igcocolo Elementary School (Guimbal); Nalundan National High School (Guimbal); and Culasi Elementary School (Ajuy).
Salvilla added that most of the condemned classrooms were aging structures that had long been due for replacement.
But even some newer facilities, such as the PAGCOR 1 and 2 buildings at Iloilo National High School, were temporarily vacated due to visible cracks, displacing 20 to 40 classrooms pending inspection results.
Hundreds more schools report damage
Data from the Division’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Section revealed that 145 schools across Iloilo submitted structural damage reports after the tremors, with 414 classrooms affected.
Of these, 104 were declared unsafe for use, 267 sustained minor damage, and 40 suffered major structural damage.
The seismic events on September 30 in Cebu and October 10 in Davao Oriental, which were felt across Iloilo, triggered the rapid assessments that led to the findings.
Alternative learning, safety protocols in place
To prevent disruption of classes, schools have implemented blended learning setups, combining modular and face-to-face instruction.
Some have merged classes or temporarily transferred students to nearby facilities.
DepEd reminded all school heads that classes must automatically be suspended once the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) records an Intensity VI or higher earthquake, in accordance with DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024.
Resumption of face-to-face classes, it added, is only allowed after structural clearance from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or local building officials.
Reconstruction funding eyed for 2025
DepEd officials assured that repair and rehabilitation works will be prioritized under the 2025 Quick Response Fund (QRF) and other national initiatives.
“We want to make sure that no learner or teacher will be at risk when classes resume in full capacity,” DepEd-Iloilo said in a statement.
The department continues to coordinate with DPWH engineers to ensure that reconstruction efforts meet stricter standards of disaster resilience and public safety.
DepEd-6 also urged parents and school communities to follow official advisories for verified updates as structural evaluations and rebuilding works continue across the province./PN
