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Imagine waking up to the ground shaking beneath you—and then realizing your school might not reopen for weeks. That’s the reality for thousands of students in Cebu after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked the region. The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that the class resumption in Cebu could take up to a month.
The Earthquake That Shook the School System
On October 3, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Central Visayas, with Bogo City bearing the brunt of the damage. While the tremors lasted only seconds, their impact on infrastructure—especially schools—was devastating.
Bogo City alone reported 38 schools with significant damage.
Regions 5, 6, and 7 collectively recorded over 5,587 classrooms with major structural issues.
Aftershocks have made it difficult for engineers to assess the full extent of the destruction.
DepEd Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma emphasized that the timeline for reopening schools hinges on the speed of reconstruction. “The estimate is really around 30 days to restore school operations, depending on how fast construction progresses,” he said in a radio interview.
Why Class Resumption in Cebu Will Take a Month
Rebuilding after a natural disaster isn’t just about pouring cement and hammering nails. It’s a complex process involving safety assessments, logistics, and coordination across multiple government agencies.
Here’s why DepEd estimates a month-long delay:
🏫 Structural Assessments: Engineers must inspect every affected school to ensure buildings are safe for occupancy. Aftershocks have delayed these inspections.
🧱 Reconstruction Timeline: Even minor repairs can take weeks. Major damage—like collapsed walls or compromised foundations—requires full rebuilds.
🚚 Logistics and Materials: Transporting construction materials to remote areas like Bogo City is a challenge, especially with damaged roads.
👷 Workforce Availability: Skilled labor is in high demand post-disaster, and crews are stretched thin across multiple regions.
📋 Bureaucratic Coordination: Permits, funding approvals, and inter-agency coordination can slow down the process.
In short, it’s not just about fixing buildings—it’s about rebuilding trust in their safety.
Home-Based Learning: A Temporary Lifeline
While classrooms are being repaired, DepEd is rolling out home-based learning for affected students. This isn’t the first time the Philippines has leaned on remote education—pandemic-era modules and online classes laid the groundwork.
According to Garma:
Modules have been pre-positioned in field offices.
Local DepEd units are ready to distribute learning materials.
Students will continue their education from home until schools are deemed safe.
This approach ensures continuity, but it’s not without challenges:
Not all students have access to stable internet or digital devices.
Parents may struggle to facilitate learning at home.
Teachers must adapt lesson plans for modular formats.
Still, it’s a crucial stopgap that keeps education moving forward.
The Ripple Effect Across Regions
Although Cebu is the focal point, the earthquake’s impact spans multiple provinces:
Region 5 (Bicol), Region 6 (Western Visayas), and Region 7 (Central Visayas) all reported major school damage.
Over 5,500 classrooms across these regions are currently unusable.
Some areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing aftershocks and debris.
This widespread disruption means thousands of students are affected—not just in Cebu, but across the Visayas.
What Happens Next?
DepEd is working closely with local governments, engineers, and disaster response teams to fast-track recovery. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
📍 Rapid Assessments: As aftershocks subside, teams will conduct full inspections.
🏗️ Temporary Learning Spaces: Tents or makeshift classrooms may be set up in safe zones.
💰 Funding Allocation: Emergency funds will be released to support reconstruction.
📚 Psychological Support: Counseling services may be offered to help students cope with trauma.
The goal is not just to rebuild schools—but to restore a sense of normalcy.
Personal Insight
I remember missing school for a week after a typhoon hit our town years ago. At first, it felt like a break—but soon, I missed the routine, the chatter, the structure. For students in Cebu, a month away from school isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s an emotional one. Learning is more than modules; it’s connection, curiosity, and community.
Conclusion
The class resumption in Cebu will take a month, not because of red tape, but because safety and preparedness come first. With thousands of classrooms damaged and aftershocks still rumbling, DepEd’s cautious approach is both necessary and compassionate. As students shift to home-based learning, the nation watches and hopes for a swift, safe return to school.
What do you think about DepEd’s response? Have you experienced school disruptions due to natural disasters? Share your thoughts below.