WITH CAUTION. Cebu City Office of the Building Official head Florante Catalan talks to a school official during his inspection at a local university following the 5.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu province on Sunday (Sept. 29, 2024). Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said schools could shift back to face-to-face classes with extreme caution to ensure the welfare of the learners. (Photo courtesy of Cebu City PIO)
CEBU CITY – Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Tuesday told school administrators to return to face-to-face classes with extreme caution.
Garcia’s advice came after the Office of the Building Official (OBO) reported no serious damage to city school buildings after a 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Cebu on Sunday, prompting education officials to suspend classes on Monday.
“Let’s just be vigilant. The welfare of our learners is of paramount importance,” Garcia told the Philippine News Agency.
Florante Catalan, head of OBO here, said they have inspected the schools upon the instruction from the acting mayor but found no damage harmful to children.
He said cracks found on walls at the Abellana National High School should not be a cause for alarm as no damage was traced in the school’s beams and columns that could compromise structural integrity.
“They should repair the cracks,” Catalan added.
He assured the city has experts who can assess if school buildings are still safe after the earthquake. (PNA)
