16/06/2026
Demolition of Condemned SEDIP Building
A long-standing safety hazard at Bulalacao National High School (BNHS) is finally being dismantled as demolition operations officially began on its condemned Secondary Education Development Improvement Project (SEDIP) building.
The structure has been unusable since October 8, 2009, when it sustained severe structural damage from Typhoon Pepeng, leading to its official condemnation in 2011. Despite the school's pressing need for additional classroom space, the safety risk posed by the compromised building made its removal an urgent priority.
The breakthrough came this year, 2026, after the application for demolition was approved last March 6, 2026, by Madam Estela P. Leon-Cariño, Regional Director and Concurrent Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent. Following this approval, the school successfully secured a demolition permit from the Local Government Unit (LGU) through Municipal Engineer Jonathan Casaldo. The ongoing initiative is closely monitored by Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Marylin A. Tolbe, School Head Frechette C. Seset, and BNHS personnel to ensure smooth operations.
The complex demolition project is being carried out through a robust, community-led volunteer effort, heavily supported by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Bulalacao, headed by Barangay Captain Satur Lostbayan Anton.
Operations originally kicked off last April and May under the direction of the school’s Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) led by SPTA President Gary Baños and School Governance Council (SGC) Chairperson Paulino Malucay. During this initial phase, vital security and manpower assistance were provided by the Mankayan Municipal Police Station (PNP-Mankayan), headed by Acting Chief of Police (ACOP) PCPT Jeoffrey C. Bayading.
The teardown resumed this month as essential heavy equipment became available. Members of the Suyoc-Taneg Indigenous Livelihood Association (STILA), led by their officers Bret Antonio and Bernard Copite, along with its members, are providing the primary manpower for the heavy labor. Meanwhile, the PTA fund is covering the cost of the fuel needed to operate the machinery and the food expenses.
School officials extended their sincere gratitude to contractor Jericho Labi for providing additional equipment, which directly supplements the initial provisions from STILA and its leadership.
As the teardown progresses, the school administration emphasized that all salvaged materials are being strictly inventoried and listed. The final disposal of these materials will strictly adhere to Commission on Audit (COA) guidelines to ensure absolute transparency and proper government accountability.
Once the old structure is completely cleared, the newly vacant space will be utilized by the school as a playing area because the school has a limited playground space, maximizing this area will provide learners with a much-needed venue for sports, physical education, and recreational activities.
Looking ahead, the school administration expressed optimism that a new building will eventually be awarded to the campus. Bulalacao National High School continues to face a steady increase in student enrollment, highlighting the long-term need for modern, safe, and functional classroom buildings to serve its growing student population.