The recent earthquake that shook parts of Mindanao has underscored the urgent need for safer and more disaster-resilient school facilities, according to the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), which commended teachers for their swift response in protecting learners during the emergency.

In a statement, TDC said the incident once again demonstrated the vital role of teachers as first responders inside schools, as many educators calmly guided students to safety while ensuring orderly evacuation procedures amid the tremor.

The experiences of teachers on the ground illustrated both the effectiveness of emergency preparedness measures and the continuing vulnerabilities faced by many schools during disasters.

Jose Norman Bajar, Regional Coordinator of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) in Region XII, recounted the tense moments when the earthquake struck Mindanao.

“It happened just after our flag ceremony. The students had only recently entered their classrooms when the earthquake struck. The shaking was very strong. More than 20 of our students fainted and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital,” Bajar recalled.

Bajar, a teacher at Polomolok National High School, said his school was among those that suspended classes following the earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday.

“It was truly a terrifying experience, and up to now, we continue to feel many aftershocks,” he said.

Polomolok National High School in South Cotabato is among the more than 6,000 schools across Mindanao reportedly affected by the earthquake, based on initial assessments. Bajar stressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of school facilities throughout the region.

“We need to thoroughly inspect all school buildings across Mindanao to ensure their structural integrity and guarantee the safety of both teachers and learners,” he emphasized.

TDC Chair Benjo Basas praised teachers for their dedication and presence of mind during the earthquake, saying their actions helped prevent panic and potential injuries.

“Our colleagues in Mindanao once again proved that they are not only teachers but also protectors of our children during emergencies. Despite the risks to their own safety, they remained focused on securing their learners and ensuring that evacuation protocols were properly observed,” Basas said.

However, Basas emphasized that disaster preparedness and regular drills alone are insufficient if school facilities themselves remain vulnerable to natural hazards.

“Preparedness saves lives, but preparedness must be matched by safe and resilient infrastructure. Even the best-trained teachers cannot fully compensate for overcrowded school buildings, inadequate open spaces and limited evacuation areas,” he said.

The group warned that the consequences could have been far more severe had the earthquake struck schools with poorly designed structures or insufficient spaces for safe evacuation.

The concern was echoed by Frodielyn Docallas, a teacher from Baguio City, who cautioned against expanding school programs and facilities without adequate consideration for safety and the actual capacity of school campuses.

“School buildings should be properly planned. We cannot simply continue constructing facilities without carefully taking into account the safety and welfare of our learners,” Docallas said.

She stressed that school expansion initiatives should not proceed in campuses that lack sufficient space for classrooms, learning facilities, and safe evacuation areas.

“Programs and projects should be pursued out of necessity and with the welfare of both learners and teachers at the forefront. Expansion should not be measured solely by available classrooms or compliance with documentary requirements. Equal consideration must be given to actual conditions on the ground, including safety, adequate learning spaces, and the overall well-being of the school community,” she added.

Docallas emphasized that the success of any educational program should also be measured by its ability to provide a safe, secure and quality learning environment.

According to TDC, the government must strengthen its commitment to disaster-resilient learning environments through strategic planning, stricter enforcement of engineering and safety standards, and sustained investments in school infrastructure.

“We urge the government to prioritize the construction and maintenance of disaster-resilient schools. Educational planning should always place safety at the center, especially as schools continue to expand programs and accommodate growing enrollment,” Basas said.

The group also stressed the importance of preserving sufficient open spaces within school campuses, noting that these areas serve as critical evacuation sites during earthquakes, fires, floods, and other emergencies.

“Not every available space inside a school should be converted into additional structures. Schools need adequate open areas that can function as evacuation grounds when disasters strike,” Basas added.

TDC said the recent earthquake serves as a reminder that protecting learners and school personnel requires a balanced approach that combines preparedness, sound infrastructure, and long-term planning.

“The response of our teachers in Mindanao showed what dedication and preparedness can achieve. Now it is the responsibility of the government agencies to ensure that our schools are equally prepared through resilient facilities and safer learning environments,” Basas said.

TDC reiterated that disaster risk reduction and resilience must remain integral components of educational development as the country continues to face frequent natural hazards. #

For details:
Jose Norman Bajar, TDC SOCCSKSARGEN, 09171478804
Froidelyn Docallas, TDC-PIO, 09942937636
Benjo Basas, National Chair, 09273356375

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