Threats to school buildings also include termites, landslides, lack of funds

While the Department of Education and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology are warning about the possible damage a strong earthquake could do to schools in Metro Manila, a number of school buildings in different provinces are in danger of collapsing due to other threats.

GMA-7's "24 Oras" reported on Wednesday that a school in Pampanga is threatened by termites, while one in Zamboanga is built in a landslide-prone area. Students in Albay, meanwhile, are still going to classes in temporary spaces after Typhoon Glenda destroyed their classrooms last year.

A school in Barangay San Ramon in Floridablanca, Pampanga may look nice on the outside with its newly painted walls, but termites have damaged its foundation. In some parts of the 25-year-old school, the ceilings have been removed to prevent the spread of termite infestation, but having no ceilings made the rooms hotter. According to the school authorities, they have asked for a bigger budget to renovate and repair the school, but the barangay only has limited funds for it.

In Legazpi City, the classrooms of Albay Central School are still dilapidated a year after Typhoon Glenda, so classes will have to be held elsewhere.

In Zamboanga, the students of Salum Elementary School fear landslides. While the buildings are structurally sound, the area it was built on is prone to landslides, forcing teachers and students to hold classes in other locations until a new site is found for the school.

"Delikado na siya. Ang ginawa ng DepEd trinansfer na doon sa baba 'yung may nag-donate ng lupa roon para sa school," said resident Sahibul Ajibul. — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News