The Cebu Provincial School Board has taken decisive action to address the educational disruption caused by the recent powerful earthquake, approving an P85-million supplemental budget for the construction of Temporary Learning Shelters (TLS) in affected schools.
Extensive Damage to Educational Infrastructure
The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30, 2025 left a trail of destruction across the province's educational facilities. During a meeting presided over by Governor Pamela Baricuatro at the Capitol Social Hall, the Department of Education Cebu Province presented a sobering assessment of the damage.
The validated report revealed extensive damage to classrooms throughout the province, with northern Cebu experiencing the most severe impact. According to the assessment, 570 classrooms were totally damaged, while 1,101 suffered major damage, and another 1,723 sustained minor damage.
In Tabogon municipality alone, all 27 public schools reported damages, highlighting the widespread nature of the destruction. The comprehensive damage assessment totals 3,394 affected classrooms across Cebu province.
Immediate Response for Educational Continuity
To ensure that learning continues without significant interruption, the Department of Education has determined that 269 Temporary Learning Shelters are urgently needed. These structures will serve as makeshift classrooms while major repairs and reconstruction of permanent facilities are underway.
The TLS initiative represents a critical stopgap measure to prevent educational disruption for thousands of students affected by the earthquake. These shelters will provide safe learning environments while permanent solutions are developed and implemented.
Financial Capacity and Funding Mechanism
Provincial Treasurer Atty. Roy Salubre provided assurance about the province's financial capability to support the recovery efforts. He reported that the province currently has P1.128 billion in available funds, with an additional P800 million in expected collections.
This brings the total available resource pool to nearly P2 billion, which will support ongoing efforts to help DepEd restore damaged educational facilities and ensure continuity of education services.
The funding mechanism for educational projects is authorized under Section 235 of Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. This provision allows provinces to impose a one percent real property tax dedicated specifically to the Special Education Fund (SEF), which exclusively supports programs and projects initiated by the local School Board.
The construction of the Temporary Learning Shelters will commence once all necessary procurement processes have been completed, ensuring proper governance and transparency in the use of public funds.
