At least 414 classrooms in Iloilo province sustained varying degrees of damage following the recent series of earthquakes that rattled parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Education–Iloilo (DepEd-Iloilo) reported.

Of the total, 104 classrooms were declared unsafe for use, while eight structures are scheduled for demolition due to severe structural compromise.

Among the most affected facilities is the PAGCOR 1 building at Iloilo National High School, which was officially declared unsafe for occupancy. Its adjacent PAGCOR 2 building is also being closely monitored after visible cracks were discovered on its walls and beams.

DepEd-Iloilo said students and teachers displaced by the damage have been relocated to temporary learning spaces, including covered gyms, spare classrooms, and multipurpose halls, to ensure that classes continue without disruption.

Authorities are now conducting a comprehensive structural assessment of public schools across the province, with engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assisting DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) team in evaluating building safety.

DepEd officials assured that the rehabilitation and repair of affected classrooms will be prioritized under the 2025 Quick Response Fund (QRF) and other national repair programs.

“Safety remains our top priority,” a DepEd-Iloilo official said. “We want to make sure that no learner or teacher will be at risk when classes resume in full capacity.”IMT