Overview: Quake prompts suspension of face-to-face learning
Following a magnitude-5.8 earthquake on Monday, October 13, Bacolod City officials extended the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools on Tuesday, October 14. City leaders cited visible damage to some structures and the need for a comprehensive safety check before students return to classrooms. The decision prioritizes the wellbeing of learners and staff amid aftershocks and potential structural risks in the city’s educational facilities.
Rapid Damage Assessment and initial findings
Mayor Greg Gasataya convened a briefing with key city agencies, including 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 group discussed the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) conducted on Monday to gauge structural integrity across public schools. Early findings show minor to extensive damage concentrated in older structures, underscoring the need for thorough inspections before any decision to reopen can be made.
Inspection drive and scope
To expedite the safeguard process, the city has deployed five inspection teams tasked with assessing 40 public schools and other government facilities. The scale of the operation reflects a cautious approach: even a small risk of a hidden defect could endanger students in populated urban schools. Inspectors are evaluating building stability, water lines, electrical safety, and other critical systems that could be affected by seismic activity.
Safety-first plan for learning continuity
In light of the assessment, Bacolod’s public schools are encouraged to shift toward modular distance learning, performance tasks, and project-based activities. This plan allows students to continue their studies without being physically present on campus while the safety review is ongoing. While class suspensions focus on public schools, the city noted that private and public tertiary programs will be at the discretion of school heads and safety officers, reflecting an individualized approach to risk management at higher education levels.
What this means for students and families
Parents and guardians should expect ongoing updates as more RDANA results are compiled. The emphasis remains on ensuring structural soundness, clear evacuation routes, and reliable utilities to prevent hazardous conditions upon reopening. The city’s higher priority is to prevent injuries and preserve learning time, balancing the urgency of returning to normal classes with the reality of possible aftershocks and ongoing inspections.
Next steps and continued public communication
Officials stressed that any decision to resume face-to-face classes will be data-driven, based on the inspection outcomes and safety assurances from engineers the oversight bodies. The five inspection teams will continue to work diligently, with findings feeding into a coordinated recovery plan that considers both learning continuity and structural resilience. Local authorities also emphasized the importance of community cooperation—families should adhere to official advisories and follow safety protocols during the evaluation period.
Context for the broader province
While the immediate focus is on Bacolod, the quake raises awareness of urban school safety across the region. The incident underscores the value of regular building assessments, retrofitting older structures, and establishing robust emergency response routines within schools. As seismic events remain a key risk in various parts of the Philippines, this situation highlights how quickly education systems must adapt to protect students while maintaining educational momentum.
