Cebu City mayor may suspend classes due to structural issues

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia is considering suspending face-to-face classes at Buhisan Elementary School due to serious concerns about the school's structure. On March 17, Garcia shared that assessments revealed significant vulnerabilities in the buildings after a geohazard assessment. The mayor is awaiting recommendations from the Department of Education (DepEd) before making a final decision. He is open to shifting students to blended learning to minimize educational disruptions. Garcia emphasized the importance of safety, saying he had plans to meet with DepEd to discuss the situation. The geohazard assessment was conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and local disaster management teams. They found cracks in the walls and floors of classrooms and the principal’s office, which posed risks to students and staff. The assessment recommended further studies and potential relocation of the school to a safer location. CDRRMO chairman Ramil Ayuman confirmed that plans were in place to request additional structural analysis from the Department of Engineering and Public Works. The school principal is also considering relocation if necessary, with proper coordination from relevant agencies. Engineer Jonathan Tumulak highlighted that poor water management was contributing to the structural issues. He suggested strengthening the existing buildings temporarily while searching for a new location for the school. Overall, safety remains the priority as the city government explores solutions to protect students and staff.