Four schools in Cebu City remain unoccupiable as School Year 2026–2027 approaches because of damage caused by two major disasters in 2025 that continue to affect the restoration and safe use of facilities.
Background of the Disasters
On Sept. 30, 2025, a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu, particularly hitting the northern region, which sustained P1.67 billion worth of damage to schools. More than a month after the earthquake, typhoon Tino hit Cebu on Nov. 4, sweeping away homes, belongings, lives, and schools, leaving P8 billion worth of damage across the province.
Affected Campuses
Among the heavily impacted facilities are schools located in Barangays Buot-Taup, Sapangdaku, Buhisan, and Busay. During the Brigada Eskwela at Cambinocot Elementary School on June 1, 2026, Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that affected students are currently using tents as alternative learning spaces. “Yes, they are using tents. The youth are having a hard time,” said Archival.
Relocation Hurdles
In Barangay Buot-Taup, the City Government is still looking for land to purchase to build a new school for the students. “Buot-Taup is really not recommended,” said Archival when asked about the possible occupancy of the school. The school sits beside a river, which caused the structure to tilt because of heavy flooding from typhoon Tino.
Structural Hazards
Meanwhile, reports indicated that Buhisan Elementary and Night High School, which accommodates over 700 students, was asked to relocate because of the possibility of a collapse. The campus stands on weak rock layers such as shale, conglomerate, mudstone, and limestone, making the area hazardous during extreme weather conditions. Sapangdaku Elementary School, which serves around 500 students, also suffered severe damage from typhoon Tino; in the past, the school was already prone to flooding after heavy rains. School buildings in Busay remain under observation to determine their safety.
Regional Rehabilitation
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the 2025 earthquake damaged a total of 3,605 schools, while typhoon Tino left around 312 damaged buildings. Earlier, Archival attended the Cambinocot Elementary School Brigada Eskwela ‘26, which featured the theme “Bayanihan para sa Paaralan: Nagkakaisa para sa Kaayusan at Kaalaman.” Archival delivered a message of support and led the ceremonial ribbon cutting alongside other members of the Cebu City Division, DepEd 7, teachers, students, and parents.
Support for Students
During the kickoff program, Archival distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to students, noting that the City will continue to distribute 135,000 school supply packages to other campuses across Cebu City. Archival reminded the students that education plays a vital role in building their future within a technologically driven society. “Most of our children are on their phone. Focus on your study because whether you like it or not, education is for your future,” he said. Archival concluded the interview by urging the youth to prioritize their academic goals. “Focus on education and everything will follow.”
