Nearly 1,000 classrooms in public schools across the Davao Region were destroyed following the series of powerful earthquakes that struck since October 10, 2025.

Data from the Department of Education-Davao (DepEd-11) showed that around 3,806 classrooms in the region sustained minor damage, 787 had major damage, and 918 were destroyed.

Two school buildings at Jose Porras Elementary School in Davao City were among 11 schools in the city found to have structures unsafe for occupancy, according to the DepEd- Division Office.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the immediate repair of classrooms with minor damage.

“May mga iba na kailangan i-assess muna ‘yung ground mismo na tinatayuan ng mga eskwelahan jud to make sure that the kids are safe. Tuloy-tuloy ‘yan at mabilis nating ipapagawa ‘yan kasi sabi nga ni Pangulo we have to move fast to bring back normalcy doon sa situation,” Dizon said.

“Kami for minor repairs, i-release na namin yan sa regions (ang quick response fund) at tsaka sa school divisions namin all over the Davao Region. For major repairs, we will coordinate with Sec. Vince and DPWH,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara added.

Face-to-face classes remain suspended in schools with damaged facilities, but DepEd assured that learning continues through alternative modalities.

“For many of the schools na hindi tayo sigurado, hindi muna natin papapasukin ang mga bata. In the meantime, meron tayong mga alternative modules. ‘Yun ‘yung inuuwi nila, meron silang inuuwi na study materials at pina-follow up sila ng mga guro nila,” Angara said.

Blended learning is currently being observed in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Digos City, Samal Island, Mati City, and Panabo City.

DepEd Davao City Division has also shifted to modular and blended learning starting Wednesday, October 15, 2025 until all schools buildings are inspected.

Meanwhile, classes in Davao del Norte, Tagum City, and several schools in Davao del Sur have resumed.

Face-to-face classes will only resume once structural assessments confirm that the classrooms are safe for students and teachers.

“We will never allow anyone to go back to face-to-face without the buildings being checked. So, kung muingon mi og okay na, buot pasabot, naa nay pagtugot nga gikan sa mga eksperto nato,” DepEd-11 Spokesperson, Dodong Atillo, said.