Classes halted in 2 Pasay schools due to building cracks

Classes in two public schools in Pasay City were suspended after the discovery of cracks and other structural flaws in their buildings.

Mayor Antonino Calixto on Wednesday ordered the indefinite suspension of classes at Villamor Air Base Elementary School (Vabes) and Pasay City South High School (PCHS), both located near Villamor Air Base.

The Pasay City Engineering Office earlier found cracks in some school buildings upon inspection, the mayor noted.

A check made by the Inquirer found cracks in the facade of two PCHS buildings and on the floors of two Vabes buildings.

Diosdado Rosales, PCHS officer in charge, said the construction of around 20 makeshift classrooms started Monday on the campus to accommodate about 2,500 students. The structures should be ready in a month, he said.

Severo Bajado, the Vabes principal, said around 24 makeshift classrooms were being constructed for 4,273 students. They should be ready in two to four weeks, he added.

Bajado and Rosales said their respective students had been given modules for them to study at home while the suspension remains in effect. Kristine Felisse Mangunay