Rep. Omar Duterte’s Office Moves Quickly After Classroom Ceiling Collapse at Lapu-Lapu Elementary School

Staff from Rep. Duterte’s office, led by Mr. Barry Dingal, joined the follow-up investigation conducted by PCMS Ahadain of the Davao City Police. 

The inspection aimed to determine what assistance the congressman’s office could extend to ensure the safety of students and teachers and to help fast-track budget allocation and repair work. 

Also present during the site assessment were School Principal Mrs. Ruby A. Briones, DepEd Engineer Nigel Borja, and Punong Barangay Romeo Evangelista with members of the barangay council. 

According to classroom adviser Ms. Marites Cañeda, the incident happened around 9:55 a.m. while she was teaching in Room 12, 3rd floor. She recalled hearing a creaking sound, prompting her students to quickly perform the duck, cover, and hold drill they had learned from earthquake preparedness exercises. Seconds later, the ceiling collapsed. 

Ms. Cañeda tried to hold the center portion of the falling ceiling while guiding her pupils to crawl outside to safety. She and five students — Amara Ysabelle Malicdem (9), Johnrian Fernandez (9), Khryzan Logdonio (9), Princess Luperme (9), and Apple Artillano (9) — sustained minor bruises and later underwent stress debriefing with school administrators. 

The affected classroom was part of a school building project completed during the term of former 2nd District Representative Vincent Garcia. 

Following the inspection, Rep. Omar Duterte’s office said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which has ₱18 million in available funds for school repair projects and is now set to bid out the rehabilitation work for the damaged ceiling. 

“The safety of our students is our priority. We will coordinate with the proper agencies to make sure the needed repairs are addressed as soon as possible,” the office said in a statement. 

Officials also praised the preparedness of the teacher and pupils, noting that their quick execution of the duck, cover, and hold drill helped prevent serious injuries during the collapse.