Landslide risk halts classes at Benguet school

ITOGON, Benguet — Face-to-face classes at Loacan National High School have been suspended after severe weather caused soil saturation, erosion and damage to protective structures around the campus, raising the risk of landslides and falling debris.

Through Executive Order No. 05, Series of 2026, Loacan Punong Barangay Franklin M. Almoza declared an emergency safety condition on Monday, 24 August, and ordered the immediate suspension of in-person classes.

Heavy rains have saturated the soil, caused ground erosion and damaged riprap and other protective structures surrounding the school.

The order was coordinated with the office of Itogon Mayor Bernard S. Waclin.

The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee, together with local engineering and education officials, will inspect school buildings, retaining structures, nearby slopes, drainage systems and access roads to determine whether the area is safe.

Face-to-face classes will remain suspended until authorities clear the campus and surrounding areas for normal operations.

School administrators and local officials were also directed to keep students and parents updated on the situation.