The Department of Education (DepEd-7) advised public and private schools in the province to suspend classes until Monday next week.
DepEd-7 Regional Director Carmelita Dulangon said she issued the advisory after receiving reports of damages sustained by the school buildings following last Tuesday’s earthquake.
“Even if the school children are trained in earthquake drills, we cannot control their emotions. We are thankful to God that it occurred on a holiday and there are only minor damages to school buildings,” she said.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama declared classes in all levels suspended until Friday this week.
“Those who disobey will be held liable if something happens to their students,” Rama said.
Dulangon said all teachers should assess the damage to their classrooms.
Cebu City school division Supt. Rea Mar Antod said Apas, Labangon, San Nicolas, Gothong, Barrio Luz and Inayawan Elementary Schools sustained major damage and were prioritized for repairs.
Talisay City school’s division Supt. Woodrow Denuyo said San Roque and Bulacao Elementary School, Tangke and Pook National High School in Talisay City should be demolished due to the big cracks on its walls and flooring.
In Bulacao Elementary School, Denuyo said 15 classrooms have been rendered unusable, six needs to be repaired and nine should be replaced.
About 22 public elementary and national high schools and five private elementary schools in Talisay City also sustained minor cracks and fissures on the ceilings and walls.
Denuyo said Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes declared all classes in both private and public schools in all levels suspended until Monday.
DepEd Provincial Division Supt. Arden Monisit said classes at all levels of public schools are suspended until Friday.
However, those enrolled in private schools should verify with their school officials if there are classes this week.
University of San Jose – Recoletos (USJ-R) president Fr. Enrico Silab, OAR declared that classes in high school and elementary levels are suspended until Friday. Those enrolled in the Balamban Campus will resume their classes on Thursday, October 23.
The University of San Carlos (USC) and University of Cebu will resume classes on Monday. With Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac and Correspondent Edison delos Angeles