11 Iloilo classrooms eyed for demolition after quakes

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Eleven schools in Iloilo province have classrooms subject for demolition following assessments after recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo reported.

DepEd Iloilo spokesperson Leonil Salvilla said in an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo on Tuesday, October 21, that the recommendation came after both division and municipal engineers found several classrooms unsafe for occupancy.

“Based on the assessment we received, there are 11 schools with classrooms subject to demolition, while others remain subject for validation and may be recommended for rehabilitation or repair,” he said.

The classrooms identified for demolition are located in the following schools: Danao Elementary School in Pototan; Malbog, Paon, and Bayas Elementary Schools in Estancia; Nagpana Elementary School in Barotac Viejo; Libertad Integrated School and Talokgangan Elementary School in Banate; Nanga Integrated School, Igcocolo Elementary School, and Nalundan National High School in Guimbal; and Culasi Elementary School in Ajuy.

Salvilla noted that the affected classrooms were mostly old structures.

He added that newer buildings, including the PAGCOR 1 and 2 structures at Iloilo National High School, were also temporarily vacated for validation, affecting 20 to 40 classrooms.

He assured the public that all classrooms deemed unsafe have been declared off-limits pending final inspection, and schools have implemented alternative learning delivery modes to avoid major class disruptions.

“Schools have adopted blended learning — combining face-to-face, modular distance learning, and shifting of classes. Others merged classes or temporarily relocated to nearby classrooms or learning spaces,” he said.

Based on initial data from the Division’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Section, 145 schools submitted structural damage reports.

Of these, 414 classrooms were reported damaged, some with visible cracks on columns and beams, while 104 classrooms were deemed unsafe for occupancy.

As of the latest consolidated report to the DepEd Central Office, 267 schools sustained minor damage, while 40 recorded major structural damage.

Salvilla emphasized that all figures are still subject to further validation as engineers continue to reassess affected facilities.

The assessment covers the effects of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30 and the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Davao Oriental on October 10, 2025, both of which were felt in parts of Iloilo.

DepEd reminded schools that under DepEd Order No. 022, series of 2024, local chief executives (LCEs) are authorized to suspend face-to-face classes if earthquake intensity — based on DOST-PHIVOLCS data — reaches level V or higher.

School officials may also declare localized class suspensions based on their own assessments and are expected to implement modular learning when necessary.