MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino is seeking a Senate investigation into the structural integrity and earthquake preparedness of public school buildings nationwide, following a series of strong tremors that recently hit various parts of the country.

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said the inquiry aims to determine whether schools are capable of withstanding major earthquakes and to ensure the safety of students, teachers, parents, and school personnel.

“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 stressed that public funds must be used responsibly to guarantee safety in classrooms, especially after former DPWH Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez admitted that all infrastructure projects in Bulacan from 2019 to the present—including school buildings—were substandard.

“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,” Aquino said.

The senator added that he would push for additional budget allocations for the inspection and assessment of school structures to ensure their soundness and resilience.

Aside from examining the structural integrity of school buildings, Aquino said the probe would also review the extent of damage caused by recent earthquakes and evaluate how government agencies are working to restore safe learning spaces.

“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.

Aquino said the inquiry will also tackle measures to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience in schools, such as regular safety inspections, earthquake drills, evacuation protocols, and provision of 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,” he added.