Classes in Mandaue public schools to resume Nov. 4

CEBU, Philippines - Classes in all levels in public schools, from preschool to high school, will resume on Nov. 4.

At the same time the resumption of classes in  private schools will depend on the good judgment of the schools themselves.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said this will give the city government and education officials time to make the necessary rehabilitation of schools damaged by October 15 earthquake.

Cortes met with the city’s engineers and local education officials last Friday to identify schools that can be immediately repaired and the schools which need major repair.

Structural assessment made by the city and education officials revealed that the schools that suffer from major damages include Labogon National High School which is deemed unfit for occupancy, City Central School, Subangdaku Technical Vocational School, Cabancalan II Elementary School, Cabancalan I Elementary School, Basak Elementary School, and Mandaue City Science High School.

The city may opt to use the existing barangay and school gyms as temporary classrooms or set up tents in place of damaged classrooms.

Cortes also issued last week memos which stated that all privately owned buildings utilized for public use to hire their own structural engineers for a post earthquake structural assessment to certify whether these are still fit for occupancy.

The city council last Oct. 16 adopted a resolution declaring the city under a state of calamity.

With this, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council can access existing calamity fund for the rehabilitation works.

The council also approved a resolution authored by Councilor Jimmy Lumapas which seeks P50,000 in burial assistance to the family of Geronda Casul who died at the height of the earthquake and P25,000 to those seriously injured and P5,000 to those who suffered from minor injuries. (FREEMAN)