At least 40 students were injured after the ceiling of a classroom at Lapu-Lapu Elementary School in Agdao, Davao City collapsed while classes were ongoing on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

According to Marites Caneda, the Grade 4 adviser, the ceiling suddenly gave way while she was giving her lessons. Fortunately, the students took cover quickly under their desks and crawled out of the classroom.

“Ang narinig ko kasi, Ma’am, ingay sa taas… akala namin, lindol so ang mga bata, automatic nag-duck cover and hold… na shot aning mga bangko naay niana sa ako so akong giana so that makalusot ang mga bata, makakamang nag-crawl sila pagawas, nagka-minor injuries sila,” Caneda said.

Caneda and her students sustained minor injuries. They are set to undergo stress debriefing after experiencing trauma.

“In a blink of a second, ingon ato ang mahitabo sa amoa. Among panawagan sa gobyerno nga kung mag-construct og school facility, especially classrooms, see to it safety ang number 1 i-prioritize,” Caneda added.

Parents also expressed concern over the safety of their children.

“Hadlok pud as a parent pero salig man pud mi sa mga maestra ug staff nga ma-secure among mga bata,” a parent said.

The school principal has reported the incident to the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Ang DPWH nianhi kagahapon sa site inspection nagpadala sila today og maintenance team natanggal na ang mga debris,” school principal, Ruby Briones, said.

Classrooms nearby were also found to have sagging ceilings and cracks on the floor, which the principal attributed to previous earthquakes.

“We are granted with allocated budget for the rehab of this school building,” Briones added.

Currently, the school has implemented blended learning for the Grade 4 students affected and for students in three other classrooms on the third floor until the safety of the building is assured.