State of emergency in Buhisan School: Principal’s office closed, classes shift to modular

CEBU, Philippines — Following a worsening cave-in at Buhisan Elementary School, the Cebu City Government has ordered the closure of the principal’s office and shifted classes to a modular learning scheme due to safety concerns aggravated by persistent rainfall.

On Wednesday, a joint inspection was conducted by Cebu City’s Disaster Team and the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to assess the structural integrity of the school. Later that day, the Cebu City Council officially approved a disaster recommendation to declare Buhisan Elementary School and its surrounding areas under a State of Emergency. The declaration was made through a resolution authored by Councilor Joel Garganera, Chairman of the Committee on Disaster Management.

The resolution also approved funding for necessary expenditures, the transition to alternative learning arrangements, and the implementation of evacuation measures.

Engineer Jonathan Tumulak of DEPW, who led the initial engineering inspection last week, reported that the affected area has significantly expanded. He said it was only 25 cm last Friday, but their latest assessment shows it has progressed to more than 35 cm.

He further warned that the ground movement was accelerating due to heavy rains.

“Paspas gyud. Samot na nga nag-uwan,” he added.

As an urgent measure, Tumulak recommended the immediate evacuation of the principal’s office and expedite the preparation of Programs of Work and Estimates (POWE) for the installation of a retaining wall. However, he reiterated that the most effective long-term solution would be to retrofit the entire school or, ideally, relocate it. A soil analysis is also being planned.

“Tibuok school jud ang at risk. Kay ang structure nga ni-fail naa man sa pinaka-ubos,” Tumulak explained.

Buhisan Elementary School Principal Gemma Amarillo expressed readiness to vacate her office but highlighted the existing classroom shortage.

“We are prepared to comply with whatever recommendations are made,” Amarillo stated.

With the inspection findings in mind, the school administration has officially suspended face-to-face classes and transitioned to a modular learning setup.

However, Buhisan Barangay Captain Gremar Barete voiced frustration over what he perceived as a delayed response from the Cebu City Government. He recalled that after the 2013 earthquake, they had requested repairs for the school from the Local School Board but saw no immediate action.

“Nya karon hapit na ang vacation (of classes), kalit lang mag-inspection,” said Barete.

He further pointed out that the school, which has been in operation for over 50 years, had long needed retrofitting to stabilize the slope. He opposed the sudden closure of the school for repairs, citing the disruption it would cause to students’ education.

Barete also raised concerns about the lack of a feasible relocation site and the impracticality of online learning for Buhisan’s demographic. He lamented the barangay’s exclusion from discussions leading to the State of Emergency declaration.

“Ang inyong side (city government) didto trabahoa to ninyo, di kay sige lang tag pamulitika, pamulitika, kami diri ang ma-bati,” he said, criticizing the lack of local representation in decision-making. — /FPL (FREEMAN)