THE Cebu City Government is taking decisive action to address structural issues at Buhisan Elementary and Night High School, which is located on geohazard-prone terrain. Cracks have been discovered in the school grounds and buildings, raising concerns about student safety and prompting city officials to implement various measures.
City officials are considering suspending face-to-face classes for over 1,000 students and transitioning them to blended-modular learning.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, on Monday, March 17, 2025, emphasized that the school principal has the authority to suspend classes if structural integrity is deemed compromised. This measure seeks to ensure student safety while alternative solutions are explored.
Mayor Garcia expressed openness to declaring a state of emergency in Barangay Buhisan to expedite solutions for the school’s structural problems. However, this move requires approval from the City Council.
Recommendations from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7, Office of the Building Official, and Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) include either relocating the school or implementing engineering interventions such as retrofitting to mitigate future hazards.
The mayor acknowledged that finding a relocation site could be challenging due to Barangay Buhisan’s mountainous terrain and limited open spaces.
Mayor Garcia plans to consult with barangay officials, residents, and DepEd representatives regarding potential relocation sites. Given the area’s susceptibility to landslides, identifying suitable locations for construction remains a significant hurdle.
Recent inspections revealed cracks in walls, hollowed-out areas beneath riprap structures, and soil erosion caused by inadequate drainage systems. MGB 7 also noted vulnerabilities during extreme weather conditions, including landslides. These findings underscore the urgent need for intervention.
If classes are suspended, retrofitting of affected buildings may be undertaken based on recommendations from city engineers. Temporary closures may be enforced during rehabilitation efforts.
The City Government aims to prioritize student safety while addressing long-term geohazard risks associated with the school’s location. A meeting with concerned agencies is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, to finalize plans and ensure swift implementation of necessary measures.
On Friday, March 14, DEPW conducted an inspection and observed cracks on the ground and walls, as well as a hollowed-out area beneath the building’s riprap — indicating potential collapse. Jonathan Tumulak of DEPW attributed these issues to inadequate infrastructure support, such as canals and drainage systems, which could have mitigated surface runoff during heavy rains. The uncontrolled flow of rainwater likely weakened the soil and riprap supporting the school.
An MGB 7 inspection on Feb. 10 revealed that the school’s location makes it prone to erosion during extreme weather conditions. Cracks were detected in a three-story Grade 1-2-3 building and in the principal’s office. Additionally, MGB 7 found that during the 2013 Bohol earthquake, the concrete stairs of one building shifted approximately one to two centimeters from its wall. Ground cracks measuring one to two meters in length were also found beneath beams in the principal’s office. The riprap slope protection has significantly deteriorated, rendering it ineffective.
The latest flood and landslide susceptibility map of Cebu City classifies the school area as highly susceptible to landslides. MGB 7 attributes these cracks to natural terrain features, soil composition, and modifications made to the slope. / EHP