• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Following the Intensity V earthquake, a structural inspection revealed that four classrooms in four separate schools in Bacolod City have been declared unsafe for occupancy due to structural damage.
During a post-earthquake Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, 15 buildings in various government agencies, 70 schools, and 13 bridges in the city were inspected yesterday.
The Department of Education reported that the four damaged classrooms are in Isla Elementary School, Bata Elementary School I, Jose R. Torres Elementary School I, and Education and Training Center School I.
The Department of Public Works and Highways declared that the 13 bridges inspected had ‘no defects noted’.
Despite the minor cracks found in the buildings of BJMP Handumanan, Bacolod City College-Taculing Campus, Bacolod City Health Office, Mental HealthCare Center, and Bacolod City Hall of Justice, the city government reported that the structures are safe for occupancy.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said that the Bacolod City Government Center was the first to be marked safe for occupancy.
Gasataya also stated that the face-to-face classes and government offices will resume today.*
