SENATE Committee on Basic Education chairperson Bam Aquino is set to file a resolution seeking to assess the readiness of public school buildings across the country in the event of strong earthquakes, following recent tremors in various areas.

“Mahalagang malaman kung gaano kahanda at gaano katibay ang ating mga paaralan sa pagtama ng malalakas na lindol para sa kaligtasan ng mga estudyante, mga guro, mga magulang, at iba pang mga nagtatrabaho sa mga paaralan,” Aquino said.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and structural integrity of school buildings, especially after former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez admitted that all infrastructure projects in Bulacan from 2019 to the present were substandard, including classrooms.

“Kapag ang pondo sa mga paaralan ay kinurakot at binudol, pinapahamak ang mga estudyante sa bagyo at lindol. Huwag nating isugal ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Mas mabuting matiyak ang kahandaan at kaligtasan ng ating mga school building laban sa mga pagyanig,” he stressed.

Aquino added that he will push for an additional budget for the inspection and assessment of public school buildings to ensure their structural integrity.

Aside from examining the structural soundness and safety of public school buildings, Aquino said his planned probe will also look into the extent of damage caused by recent earthquakes and the measures being implemented by concerned agencies to ensure that affected schools can safely resume classes.

“Kailangan din nating alamin ang mga ginagawang pagkilos ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno upang maisaayos ang mga school building at silid-aralan para magamit na ng ating mga estudyante sa lalong madaling panahon at para hindi maantala ang kanilang pag-aaral,” he said.

The inquiry will also tackle measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in schools, including regular safety inspections, earthquake drills, evacuation protocols, and the availability of earthquake emergency kits.

“Ang ating mga paaralan ay dapat maging ligtas na kanlungan sa oras ng sakuna, hindi karagdagang panganib. Panahon na para tiyaking matatag at handa ang ating mga estudyante at mga guro sakaling tumama ang malakas na lindol,” Aquino pointed out.