Cebu City school under ‘state of emergency’ amid safety concerns

Local

THE Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) has declared a state of emergency at Buhisan Elementary School and Buhisan Night High School following confirmed reports of ground cracks and structural vulnerabilities in the area.

During an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 18, the CCDRRMC unanimously approved Resolution No. 69, Series of 2025, citing the urgent need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of students and faculty.

The declaration allows for the expedited release of disaster response funds.

However, CDRRMO Chairman Ramil Ayuman said the resolution still needs council approval and will be urgently presented to the council during their session on March 19 by Disaster Committee Chairman, Councilor Joel Garganera.

In an interview with Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Tuesday, he said that due to worsening weather conditions and structural risks, classes will temporarily shift to a blended and modular learning setup.

“After discussions between the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the local school board, and the Department of Education, we agreed to implement online and modular learning this week to prioritize student safety,” Garcia said.

While the school principal retains the authority to finalize class arrangements, city officials stressed that precautionary measures are crucial to prevent potential disasters.

A structural assessment by the Office of the Building Official revealed cracks in walls, slabs, floors, and beams, prompting MGB-7 to issue recommendations, including additional engineering studies, enhanced drainage systems, and restricted access to hazardous areas.

Meanwhile, Garcia urged Barangay Buhisan officials to declare a local state of emergency to accelerate the response to safety concerns at Buhisan Elementary School.

He emphasized that emergency procurement would allow for immediate action while adhering to legal protocols.

The potential relocation of the school is also being considered due to the growing student population and limited available land in the area.

Garcia mentioned that he is considering purchasing a privately owned property behind the Barangay Hall, which spans 4,000 to 5,000 square meters, as a potential site for the school's relocation.

“If we ever decide to transfer the school, it will not be easy. So for now, we will have to retrofit the school, and that’s why, to speed up the process, we need to use the disaster funds. That’s why the barangay and the city council have to declare a state of emergency,” he said

Buhisan Elementary School currently serves 724 students.(TGP)