The billeting schools of the 2026 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) hosted by Bacolod City remain safe for occupancy despite a magnitude 4.8 earthquake on Monday night, March 2.
The buildings in 16 schools underwent rapid damage assessment and needs analysis conducted by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).
The list included Andres Bonifacio Elementary School I and II, Handumanan Elementary School I and II, Education and Training Center School I, II and III, Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School, Jose R. Torres Elementary School, Mariano G. Medalla Integrated School, Rizal Elementary School, and Rodolfo A. Medel Sr. Elementary School.
Others are Bacolod City National High School, Bacolod SPED Center, Barangay Singcang-Airport National High School, and Mansilingan Agro Industrial High School.
“So far, nothing to worry about. Our structures are safe,” Engineer Froilan Julag-ay II, who led the CEO inspection, said in an interview.
The 2026 NIRAAM, set for March 1 to 7, will have delegations from 12 school divisions, comprising more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and support staff.
In an article posted online by the Department of Education – Negros Island Region yesterday, its disaster risk reduction and management coordinator, Marlon Bungcasan, said “response measures are ready for natural disasters and weather disturbances that may occur during NIRAAM week.”
“A contingency plan is in place following meetings with the Office of Civil Defense and other government agencies regarding natural calamities that may affect the meet,” he added.
In a statement, Mayor Greg Gasataya encouraged private institutions to conduct visual inspections of their own buildings.
“This is to ensure structural integrity for the safety of students and employees,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City College canceled face-to-face classes and shifted to asynchronous or online mode yesterday as a safety precaution.
“A structural and safety assessment of all school buildings is being conducted to ensure that the campus is safe for the resumption of in-person classes,” the school administration said in an advisory. (PNA)