MATI CITY, Davao Oriental (MindaNews / 30 Oct) — The Schools Division Office of the Department of Education in Mati City clarified that schools labeled as “unsafe” (red) only involve specific rooms within their campuses, not the entire school premises.
SDO-Mati information officer Leorisyl D. Siarot told MindaNews that these identified areas require further structural validation and are “considered unsafe for the time being and must not be used until assessed by structural engineers.”
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) earlier reported 21 educational institutions marked as “unsafe” as of October 24. Among those listed without specific room details were Mamali Elementary School, Batiano Elementary School, Lawigan National High School, Francisco Hinayon Elementary School, Asuncion Rondina Perez Elementary School, Baso Elementary School in Pulang Pantad, and Sudlon Elementary School in Banahaw.
Other schools had specified unsafe areas, including Macambol Elementary School (3 classrooms, old building), YTAC Elementary School (Grades 5-6 classrooms), Lawigan Kindergarten Building, and several others with identified damaged structures.
The initial assessment was conducted through the Rapid Damage Needs Assessment (RDNA), a quick post-disaster evaluation. A final report will be released after a more thorough inspection.
Siarot assured that classes will continue, as many classrooms remain usable, with some requiring only minor repairs. Temporary shifting arrangements in some schools are expected to be resolved once repairs are completed. (Razl EJ Teman / MindaNews)
