Execs to move school campus out of danger zone

OZAMIZ CITY—Education and local government officials of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, have agreed to relocate the entire campus of a high school there on the recommendation of geohazard experts.

The current location of the Diwat National High School (DNHS) in Barangay Buenavista was found to be a danger zone by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

An MGB natural hazard study in Buenavista, which lies on the foothills of Mt. Malindang, showed that the entire Sitio Diwat, where the school is built, is highly susceptible to landslide.

The MGB assessment was confirmed when rocks plummeted from the hill and fell close to a house near the school, trapping a family that was later rescued.

Ralph Castillon, principal of the 600-student DNHS, said the move to transfer the school’s campus to a new and safe location has started.

The 12-classroom school, which employs 16 teachers, serves at least three villages in Bonifacio town.

Castillon said the campus would be transferred to a one-hectare lot donated by the family of Remegio Suco in nearby Barangay Tusik as soon as funds for the construction of classrooms and other facilities are made available.

The new site, he said, had been recommended by the MGB.

Bonifacio Mayor Evelyn Dumanjug said the project would require about P10 million, some of which would be contributed by the local government.

During a meeting with parents and community officials last week, Misamis Occidental schools superintendent Jonathan dela Peña said money for the school’s relocation could be drawn from the DepEd’s Quick Response Fund. Ryan Rosauro, Inquirer Mindanao