Overview: Quake prompts safety-focused response in Bacolod
The city of Bacolod announced an extension of face-to-face class suspensions for all public schools on Tuesday, October 14, following a magnitude-5.8 earthquake the previous day. City officials cited preliminary damage assessments indicating minor and extensive structural damage, particularly in older buildings, and prioritized student safety above all else.
The decision comes after a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDAN) was conducted on Monday by a coordinated team from the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), Office of the Building Official (OBO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bacolod. The early findings have prompted a cautious approach to resuming in-person instruction in the city’s public schools.
What the assessment found
Initial results show a split between less-severe and more serious damage, with older school structures bearing the brunt. The assessment team noted the need for thorough inspections to determine the structural integrity of 40 public schools in Bacolod, ensuring that any potential hazards are identified before students return to classrooms. Five inspection teams have been deployed to speed up the process across the city and to examine other government facilities for safety concerns.
Plan for safe learning during the interim
In light of the findings, the Bacolod city government urged all affected campuses to shift to modular distance learning, emphasize performance tasks, and implement projects that can be conducted remotely or within safer formats. The goal is to maintain continuity in education while ensuring student safety is not compromised during the post-quake period.
Guidance for higher education institutions
Classes at public and private tertiary levels in Bacolod will be guided by the discretion of each school head and safety officer. This approach allows schools to tailor reopening plans based on the specifics of their facilities and the readiness of their safety protocols. The city reiterated that decisions will be informed by RDAN results and ongoing structural assessments.
What comes next for Bacolod families
For parents and guardians, the most pressing message from city officials is to stay updated on school announcements and to prioritize safety checks at home and in school environments. As the inspection teams continue their work, it is essential to rely on official updates from DepEd Bacolod and city agencies for the latest guidance on resuming traditional classroom learning.
Why safety is the priority
Earthquakes can reveal hidden vulnerabilities in older buildings that appear structurally sound at first glance. The Bacolod response underscores a broader commitment to safeguarding students, teachers, and staff. While the disruption is challenging, the extended suspension aims to prevent potential harm and allows time for critical repairs or reinforcements where needed.
Community resilience and support
Beyond the immediate educational impact, the quake response highlights the importance of a coordinated city effort in hazard assessment and recovery. Officials from the CEO, OBO, CDRRMO, and DepEd are collaborating to ensure transparent communication and efficient allocation of resources for affected schools. Local communities can support these efforts by staying informed, reporting any new concerns, and assisting families in navigating the temporary shift to alternative learning modalities.
