Overview: Quake Impacts Public School Infrastructure in Bacolod
The Oct. 13 magnitude-5.8 earthquake prompted immediate safety concerns in Bacolod City, where the local government extended the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools. City leaders and emergency management teams are prioritizing student protection as they conduct rapid damage assessments across the school network. While some structures showed minor wear, others exhibited more extensive damage, underscoring the need for careful inspection before any return to in-person learning.
Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis
Following the quake, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya convened a meeting with key city agencies—the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), the Office of the Building Official (OBO), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bacolod. The goal was to review preliminary results from the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDAN) conducted the day after the quake.
Initial findings indicate a mix of minor damage to some old structures and more extensive damage to others. This information guides the current decision to extend the suspension of in-person learning as inspectors verify the safety of 40 public schools. The RDAN serves as a critical tool to determine immediate actions, allocate resources, and map a safe path for students and staff.
Inspection Plan and Immediate Next Steps
To speed up safety checks, Bacolod activated five inspection teams tasked with examining school buildings and other government structures. The teams will look for visible signs of danger, such as cracks, foundational shifts, or compromised utility systems that could affect safe occupancy. The priority is to have a thorough, school-by-school verification process that can stand up to rigorous safety standards.
Municipal officials emphasize that these assessments are not just about repairing physical damage; they are about preventing potential hazards that could threaten students, teachers, and visitors. The city’s approach aligns with broader public safety goals and demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based decisions rather than rushing to resume classes before conditions are secure.
Learning Continuity Amid Safety Concerns
In light of the damaged structures, Bacolod public schools are encouraged to adopt alternative learning modalities while awaiting clearance. The recommended options include modular distance learning, performance tasks, and projects that can be completed remotely or with limited on-site supervision. This flexibility is intended to maintain educational momentum while ensuring that students are not exposed to unsafe classroom conditions.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bacolod, along with school administrators, will coordinate with families and communities to ensure clear communication about schedules, assessment methods, and what students need to know for the upcoming weeks. Decisions on private and public higher education institutions will be left to the discretion of their respective school heads and safety officers, reinforcing the central priority of student safety in all levels of schooling.
Safeguarding Students: A Community Responsibility
Mayor Gasataya reiterated that the safety of the students is the foremost concern before any resumption of classes. In the days ahead, parents, teachers, and local residents should expect ongoing updates on inspection results, school access, and potential timelines for re-entry into classrooms. The city is also coordinating with emergency services and engineering experts to expedite the process while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Public communication channels will continue to deliver transparent information about which schools are cleared for partial or full operation and what mitigations will be in place for ongoing safety. The Bacolod community’s response—through cooperation among city departments, schools, and families—reflects a shared commitment to maintaining learning opportunities without compromising safety.
Looking Forward
As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders anticipate a detailed report with actionable recommendations to strengthen school infrastructure against future earthquakes. Longer-term plans may include structural retrofits, code-compliant renovations, and updated disaster preparedness protocols targeted at protecting students and staff. The lessons learned from this event could influence how Bacolod prioritizes maintenance, inspections, and emergency readiness across all public facilities.
In the meantime, Bacolod public schools remain closed to face-to-face instruction until safety inspectors green-light a safe return. The emphasis on modular distance learning and project-based tasks aims to keep learners engaged while safeguarding health and well-being. The city’s fundamental message is clear: safety comes first, with a deliberate, well-coordinated path back to the classroom when conditions are verified as secure.
