Eleven classrooms in Sigma deemed structurally unsafe

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Eleven classrooms from three schools in the town of Sigma, Capiz, were declared unsafe for occupancy following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025.

The confirmation came from the Sigma local government unit through a report submitted by the Municipal Engineer’s Office, led by Engineer John Lyndon D. Jarencio.

The findings were based on the “Post-Earthquake Inspection Report on Various School Facilities Affected by the Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake in Cebu.”

Jarencio submitted the assessment to the office of Sigma Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon, in coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office-Sigma, Bureau of Fire Protection-Sigma, Office of the Administrator, Capiz 2nd District Engineering Office, and school heads from the affected institutions.

The report identified cracks in two classrooms at Mianay National High School, five classrooms at Vicente Andaya Sr. National High School, and four classrooms at Jose Reyes Jarencio Elementary School.

As a temporary solution, the affected schools are using their respective stages as alternative learning spaces.

Meanwhile, Capiz Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Roel Bermejo said in a recent media interview that his office, through the Education Facilities Section, school heads, school supervisors, and division engineer, is working with local government engineers to assess the condition of school buildings across the province.

The Capiz Schools Division oversees 98 schools with a total of 7,259 classrooms, of which 448 were reported to have sustained minor damage—equivalent to 6.17 percent.

Bermejo said school heads and supervisors have been directed to submit recommendations based on inspections and validations to be forwarded to the Department of Education central office.

He emphasized that the safety of students and teachers remains his top priority.