A classroom ceiling at Lapu-Lapu Elementary School in Agdao, Davao City, collapsed on Tuesday, October 7, injuring around 40 Grade 4 students while a lesson was underway, according to a report from GMA Regional TV One Mindanao.
Teacher Marites Caneda recalled that the ceiling suddenly gave way in the middle of class, causing debris to fall on the children. She said the students instinctively performed the “duck, cover, and hold” drill, thinking it was an earthquake.
“Ang narinig ko kasi, Ma’am, ingay sa taas… akala namin, lindol so ang mga bata, automatic nag-duck cover and hold,” Caneda shared. She guided the students to crawl out of the room to safety. Most sustained only minor injuries.
The incident left many of the young learners traumatized, prompting the school to conduct a stress debriefing session for those affected.
“In a blink of a second, ingon ato ang mahitabo sa amoa,” Caneda said, appealing to authorities to prioritize safety in school construction. “Among panawagan sa gobyerno nga kung mag-construct og school facility, especially classrooms, see to it safety ang number one i-prioritize.”
Parents expressed concern over their children’s safety but remained thankful to the teachers for their quick action. “Hadlok pud as a parent pero salig man pud mi sa mga maestra ug staff nga ma-secure among mga bata,” one parent said.
School principal Ruby Briones confirmed that the incident was immediately reported 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,” Briones said, adding that an allocated budget has already been granted for the rehabilitation of the damaged building.
Inspectors also found other classrooms with sagging ceilings and cracked floors, likely caused by previous earthquakes.
As a safety measure, the school has shifted to blended learning for affected Grade 4 classes and others occupying structurally compromised rooms until the buildings are declared safe for use.
