City Cordons Schools For Being Unsafe

At least 16 schools in the City of Naga were cordoned after the inspecting team deemed these school buildings “unsafe”.

“Relevant to the actual inspection conducted by this office for the assessment of all school buildings within the jurisdiction of City of Naga, please be informed that various buildings...were found unsafe for occupancy and pose danger to lives of school children,” said City Engineer Alpha Alojado and City Planning and Development Coordinator Joveno Garcia.

The letter was addressed to Senen Paulin, officer-in-charge Department of Education-City of Naga schools division superintendent.

The team identified five unsafe classrooms in Inayagan Elementary School, four in Tuyan Elementary School and the community stage of Sindulan Daycare. The other schools with unsafe classrooms and facilities are Langtad Elementary School’s Gr. II classroom, Naga National High School’s Home Economics B building, Cepoc Tinaan Elem School’s HE building, Calavera Primary School in Pangdan (Kindergarten Room), Langtad National High School’s fourth-year building, Bairan Elem School (three classrooms), Balirong Elem School (two classrooms), Cogon Elem School’s computer laboratory, Uling National High School (two classrooms), Uling Elementary School’s HE building) and Mayana Elem School (three classrooms).

Alojado and Garcia asked the school to “cordon the area” until rehabilitation is completed “to avoid untoward incident.”

Gary Cabotaje, public information officer-designate, said the city has already cordoned these areas “to maintain safety.” “Also the front portion to the St. Francis de Asisi Church has been cordoned as it needs renovation. He said Mayor Val Chiong will purchase collapsible tents to be used as temporary classrooms to affected schools.

Cabotaje said the total infrastructure damage to Naga after last week’s earthquake was estimated at P23.2 million.