SENATE Committee on Basic Education chairman Sherwin Gatchalian is seeking assurance that schools in Zamboanga del Norte are safe and free from possible landslides.

The senator also asked for a report on mitigating efforts that the local government unit and provincial schools have enforced.

“I need to demonstrate that mitigating measures were indeed implemented in the past,” Gatchalian said.

“If not, are there plans to implement mitigating measures whether by the LGU or schools, so that we can allay the fears of our countrymen in Zamboanga Del Norte that their schools are safe and the government is doing something to make this safe,” he added.

Gatchalian presided over the Committee on Basic Education hearing to discuss bills for the establishment of Baguio City High School for the Arts and Baguio City Sports High School.

Discussed also were the separation of school extensions and annexes Balongbalong National High School in Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur; Denrica National High School in Garchitorena, Camarines Sur; Sipakong National High School in Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga Del Norte; Mangop National High School in Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga Del Norte; Jose P. Brillantes Elementary School in Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte; Hatib Asamuddin Elementary School in Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte.