Talisay Suspends Classes, Closes City Hall Bldg

Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes on Wednesday ordered for the suspension of all classes in all levels in the city including the city-run Talisay City College.

The order came during the meeting with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) on Wednesday wherein Department of Education-Talisay City District Superintendent Woodrow Denuyo reported that at least nine classrooms in Bulacao Elementary School were badly damaged by monster earthquake that hit the province on Tuesday.

Delos Reyes said the suspension would give the inspecting team time to find out any more damage, and also to ensure the safety of the students and the teachers especially that strong aftershocks are still felt.

The suspension is throughout the week, the order said.

Meanwhile, the Talisay City Hall is temporarily closed after cracks were discovered in various offices and walls. City Engineer Audie Bacasmas said the damage may appear minor but if another strong tremor comes, he could not assure the durability of the nine-year-old building.

Bacasmas recommended that a private structural engineer be commissioned to check the whole place. The LDRRMC had approved the request thereby closing the city hall while there is still no word of assurance that it is already fit for use.

While it is closed, makeshift tents will be erected at the city hall grounds as these will be where the various departments will have their temporary offices starting Thursday.