Damage to school infrastructure in Cebu reaches P4 billion

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CEBU CITY — The 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on Sept. 30 has caused nearly P4 billion in damage to the province’s schools, the Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) reported on Tuesday.

DepEd-7’s latest assessment indicated that over 500 classrooms were completely destroyed, more than 700 sustained major structural damage, and roughly 2,000 experienced minor structural issues.

Several schools division offices, including those in Bogo City, were also damaged.

“Sa 2022 Typhoon Odette, dili ingani kalapad ang kadaot but more on repairs. Whole region nikabat og P7 billion ang cost but kani small area ra pero ni-reach P4 billion (During Typhoon Odette in 2022, the damage was not this widespread but focused more on repairs. The whole region incurred a cost of P7 billion, but this small area alone reached P4 billion)," Jimenez compared the damage to previous disasters.

Jimenez also confirmed that the earthquake claimed 13 lives from the education sector, including one teacher and 12 students.

Eight of the student fatalities were from Bogo City, the quake’s epicenter, while four were from other towns across Cebu province.

Financial assistance from DepEd-7 and personal contributions have been extended to the victims’ families, and relief goods from the national office are expected to reach affected teachers.

More than 50,000 students and 1,421 teaching and nonteaching personnel were affected, including 887 in Bogo City. To ensure learning continues, DepEd-7 is constructing Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in the hardest-hit areas, each costing approximately P1.5 million and expected to be completed within 30 days.

The units are strategically placed away from structurally compromised buildings to ensure safety.

DepEd-7 has already inspected over 200 schools in northern Cebu.

The department is implementing alternative learning delivery modes, including modular learning and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program for remedial classes.

“Learning must continue, and it will continue even in times of crisis," Jimenez said.

In line with this, TLS units will follow a hybrid schedule or two days of face-to-face classes, two days of modular learning, and full attendance on Fridays.

Additionally, he said psychological first aid is also being provided to affected students and teachers.

The department has estimated the cost for major classroom rehabilitation at P750,000 per unit, while minor repairs range from P10,000 to P500,000.

Full reconstruction of permanent classrooms will begin once damage assessments are completed and conditions stabilize.