A total of 918 classrooms across the Davao Region were reported damaged following the powerful twin earthquakes that struck on October 10, 2025, according to the Department of Education Region 11 (DepEd 11).
DepEd 11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo shared the updated figures during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing held Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Of the total, 316 classrooms in Davao Oriental were categorized as totally damaged — meaning they are now unsafe and unusable.
“When we say totally damaged, that means these are no longer safe to use. We will never allow anybody to enter these classrooms because the risk is quite high,” Atillo emphasized.
Aside from Davao Oriental, the breakdown of totally damaged classrooms in other areas includes:
• Davao del Sur – 186
• Davao de Oro – 178
• Davao City – 100
• Mati City – 76
• Davao Occidental – 25
• Tagum City – 2
No totally damaged classrooms were reported in the rest of the region.
To maintain learning continuity amid the widespread destruction, DepEd has rolled out several interventions.
“We are now utilizing alternative delivery modes, either modular or online. We also implement class shifting if there are still usable classrooms or buildings. If shifting is no longer possible, we use temporary learning spaces such as tents,” Atillo said.
He added that DepEd divisions have tailored their responses based on their specific situations. Schools in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Digos City, IGaCoS (Samal), Mati City, Panabo City, and Davao City are implementing blended learning and alternative delivery modes.
Meanwhile, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Tagum City have resumed full face-to-face classes.
However, Atillo emphasized that no school will be allowed to reopen for in-person classes unless it passes all safety inspections.
“Kung muingon mi ug okay na, buot pasabot nga anay pagtugot nga gikan sa mga eksperto sama sa mga engineers sa DepEd, DPWH, ug sa LGU,” he stressed.
Atillo assured the public that DepEd continues to coordinate with concerned agencies to facilitate the repair and reconstruction of damaged school facilities.
“We’re working to restore safe and conducive learning spaces as soon as possible,” he added.
